Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal Vs Newcastle United: Predicted starting XI – A winning return?

By Andrew Dowdeswell

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Arsenal, Shkodran Mustafi
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal runs with the ball during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Centre-Backs

Another position that is becoming increasingly settled and consistent under Mikel Arteta is centre-back. While Calum Chambers’ injury obviously limited the options available to the Spaniard and Pablo Mari will begin to push for a starting role in the coming weeks once he properly beds into the team, at present, there are two players who are the clear starters.

David Luiz has been one of the most impactful individuals under Arteta. While he still suffers from defensive miscues, his passing-range is superb and vital to Arsenal’s playing out from the back. Having now returned from suspension, the Brazilian will start whenever fit.

And, perhaps shockingly, alongside Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi established himself as the next in line. The German is a mistake waiting to happen, admittedly, but his performances against Burnley and Bournemouth were excellent and his immediate inclusion following what looked to be a nasty ankle injury shows what Arteta thinks of him. Mustafi, then, starts too.