Arsenal are desperately hoping to return to winning ways as they take on Newcastle United on Sunday. It is a must-win game for the Gunners, especially following a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal in midweek that has put further pressure on Mikel Arteta. Securing all three points, therefore, will go a long way in helping them gain back some momentum.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs Newcastle United
Defence
Mikel Arteta is likely to have his entire defensive unit available, especially after some positive news regarding David Luiz earlier this week. Although he is unlikely to be handed a start just yet, we do expect Cedric to start on Sunday, especially after the flak Arteta received for playing Granit Xhaka at left-back.
Elsewhere, Calum Chambers is likely to continue at right-back ahead of Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares. He should retain his place alongside Rob Holding, whose physical and aerial presence make him an indispensable figure at the heart of the four-man backline.
Alongside Holding, Arteta could be forced to bring Gabriel Magalhaes back into action, following Pablo Mari’s awful display against Villarreal. Another tough decision could come in goal, although we do expect Bernd Leno to retain his place in between the sticks, despite his howler against Everton in the last Premier League match.
Midfield
Mikel Arteta could be tempted to make at least one change in midfield as well, with Dani Ceballos likely to retain his place in the side given the fact that he will be ineligible to play against Villarreal. It could, in extension, pave the way for the Spaniard to provide a breather for Thomas Partey, who should play a huge role in the second leg next week.
Partey’s absence means Granit Xhaka should be shifted into central midfield, as the Swiss international renews his partnership with Ceballos at the base of Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1.
Attack
Moving forward, Martin Odegaard is likely to continue in the number ten role. He will be determined to make an impact after struggling in midweek, while other changes in the attacking unit could see Nicolas Pepe making way for Gabriel Martinelli.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should also return to the side, after recovering from Malaria. The Gabonese international will be desperate to return to scoring ways, with additional support from Bukayo Saka, Martinelli and Odegaard.
