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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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: John Fleck of Sheffield United breaks away from Lucas Torreira of Arsenal 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)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: John Fleck of Sheffield United breaks away from Lucas Torreira of Arsenal 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) /

Central Midfield

There might not be an area in the squad that presents Mikel Arteta with such an even and variety of options as central midfield. There are stronger positions in the team, undoubtedly, but there might not be any deeper and more evenly contested positions. That makes predicting the starting XI somewhat difficult.

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Nevertheless, almost the one constant under Arteta has been Mesut Ozil in the number 10 position. Arteta has built the team around the German’s creative qualities. The problem is that Ozil is yet to reciprocate that faith with impactful performances. The pressure on him to deliver is mounting, but for now, he keeps his place.

In the double-pivot, Arteta must choose two from three: Lucas Torreira, the most defensively aware of the trio, Matteo Guendouzi, the youngest and most raw but also the most naturally gifted, and Granit Xhaka, the sole left-footer who offers balance and structure, if limited mobility and athleticism.

In all reality, this is a total guess because Arteta has relatively evenly rotated between the three, but for this particular match, I expect him to select Xhaka and Torreira. This, however, could change if Sead Kolasinac returns at left-back and plays the position in a more orthodox, conservative manner, allowing Guendouzi to feature in midfield as Xhaka’s left-footedness is not so necessary.