Pain in the Arsenal
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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) /
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Arsenal, Bukayo Saka
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Full-Backs

While Ainsley Maitland-Niles manned the right-back role well during the early games of Mikel Arteta’s tenure, ever since Hector Bellerin’s return from injury, the Spaniard has started every game. Bellerin has also impressed with strong performances against Chelsea and Burnley particularly. He, then, will continue as the starting right-back.

On the opposite flank, like Maitland-Niles, Bukayo Saka had been filling in at the position. The 18-year-old, who is naturally a winger, has been protected by Arteta’s adaptation of the role but has performed admirably and has been particularly impactful from an offensive standpoint.

Sead Kolasinac returned to training during the winter break and could be available for selection. For this particular match, I still expect Saka to start as Arteta eases Kolasinac back into the fray, but the permanent change will come sometime soon.