Newcastle United will lock horns with Arsenal at St. James Park on Sunday afternoon, hoping to pick up a positive result on their home turf. The Magpies will be heading into the contest on the back of a 1-1 draw against Liverpool, so they’ll be eager to put up an encouraging performance against the Gunners.
Steve Bruce will probably opt for the 5-3-2 formation, and he might make a couple of changes for the upcoming home encounter.
5-3-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Arsenal
Defence
Martin Dubravka will continue to operate in between the sticks for the hosts. The Slovak shot-stopper made a couple of good saves to stop the Reds from scoring a second goal last week, and he’ll be hoping to repeat more of the same this Sunday.
Steve Bruce is expected to field the defensive trio of Paul Dummett, Ciaran Clark, and Federico Fernandez at the heart of Magpies’ backline. Their main objective would be to track and close down the potential openings Odegaard might create.
Jacob Murphy is a guaranteed starter at the right wing-back spot, whereas Matt Ritchie will fill in on the other flank as the left wing-back.
Midfield
Sean Longstaff and Jonjo Shelvey are expected to start in the central midfield positions.
Miguel Almiron will slot into the attacking midfield role. The Paraguayan international will be expected to carry most of his side’s creative burdens.
Jeff Hendrick will have to settle for a place on the bench but could come on in the second half of the game if needed.
Attack
Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson will form the strike partnership for the Magpies upfront. The duo will be hoping to get their names on the scoresheet when they face off against the Arsenal defence that has conceded four goals in their last three matches across all competitions.
