Arsenal are aiming to rediscover their winning momentum once again when they play hosts to Newcastle United on Monday. The Gunners had their four-match winning run in all competitions halted by a goalless draw against Crystal Palace. But, their last victory did come against Newcastle in the FA Cup last week, so Mikel Arteta’s side are hoping to replicate that performance once again in this fixture.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, are currently experiencing one of their worst rough patches under Steve Bruce. The Magpies are winless in their last eight matches in all competitions, with their latest mishap coming against Sheffield United. In fact, the Toon handed the Blades their first victory of the campaign and things are looking dire as face the in-form Arsenal on Monday.
Arsenal Vs Newcastle United Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is unlikely to tinker too much with the traditional 4-2-3-1 setup that has handed him four wins in the last five competitive matches, despite the failure to score in the last game. However, there might be a bit more emphasis going forward in light of that result, with the fullbacks, in particular, likely to push further up the pitch.
Newcastle United
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce is likely to shift to a four-man backline in order to mirror Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1. The former Hull City boss is likely to adopt a 4-4-2 with two banks of four providing cover for goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The two attackers could also play a key role in the first line of press as they look to prevent the Arsenal central defenders from threading laser passes from the back.
Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal are yet to provide a definite update on the fitness of Kieran Tierney, but Arteta did confirm Pablo Mari will miss a few matches. On the bright side, however, the Spaniard will have the privilege of starting both Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey while Gabriel Martinelli should also be in contention, though the attacker is unlikely to start.
Predicted Lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Maitland-Niles; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette
Newcastle United
There could be personnel changes for Newcastle United as well, particularly due to the four-man backline. Federico Fernandez is a doubt, either way, so we could expect Jamaal Lascelles to potentially make a return to the starting eleven. Jamal Lewis could also return to the side, along with Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie and perhaps even Andy Carroll.
Predicted Lineup: Darlow; Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis; Hendrick, Hayden, Shelvey, Ritchie; Carroll, Wilson
Key Men
Arsenal
Thomas Partey will be the key player for Arsenal in this game. The midfielder has recently returned to full fitness, and it will be interesting to see how his return impacts the Arsenal midfield that has otherwise performed well but lacked consistency. A game against the struggling Newcastle side could be an ideal opportunity for the Ghanaian international to truly kickstart his career at the Emirates.
Newcastle United
As for NUFC, they will be relying on the services of star striker Callum Wilson. The former Bournemouth forward could be a vital cog in their counter-attacking setup as the Magpies look to spark a recovery by pulling off a major upset on Monday.
