Premier League outfit Newcastle United will be looking to get back to winning ways in the league, after two back-to-back draws against Everton and Norwich City over the last few weeks. The Magpies’ most recent league victory came in the form of a smash and grab away win at Stamford Bridge, where a stoppage-time Issac Hayden header earned the Toon Army all three points against Chelsea.
Having backed that up with two draws and a win in the cup competition against Oxford United, Steve Bruce’s men will be eager to express themselves in the Premier League yet again. The Magpies are set to travel to North London to take on a struggling Arsenal side this weekend, in a fixture that is sure to be up for grabs for either team. Arsenal, themselves, haven’t been in the best runs of form over recent weeks, and will surely be looking to get maximum points at the Emirates.
Team News
The Newcastle United injury list has been consistently growing in both size and stature since the start of the season, and Steve Bruce’s selection worries only seem to be worsening by the day. It currently holds the names of eleven Magpies stars, out of which a whopping eight names have already been ruled out for this fixture. With key names like Jetro Willems, Emil Krafth and Jonjo Shelvey out injured, the gaffer will have to make do with what he’s got.
5-4-1 Predicted Newcastle United Lineup Vs Arsenal
Formation: 5-4-1
Defence
Martin Dubravka has been one of the standout performers for the Magpies since the start of the campaign, and he is almost certain to continue between the sticks for this fixture. In the absence of both Krafth and Willems, expect Steve Bruce to continue using American international DeAndre Yedlin down the right. On the other hand, stand-in full-back Matt Ritchie should be deployed down the left. Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark are set to form the three-man centre-half partnership as well.
Midfield
The injury to Jonjo Shelvey leaves the door wide open for winter signing Nabil Bentaleb to walk into the starting lineup for this fixture, alongside star man Issac Hayden. The duo will be responsible for linking up the Magpies’ lines, while also bringing the talented wingers on display into the game. Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron will be tasked with providing most of the Newcastle width going forward.
Attack
Joelinton suffered a blow to the ribs in recent weeks, but looks set to return to the side for this fixture against the Gunners. The 23-year-old scored in the Magpies’ win against Oxford United, but still only has the one goal to show for his efforts in the league this season. This match against a struggling Arsenal defence could be precisely what the Brazilian needs to rekindle his entire campaign.
