Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Newcastle: Near Full Strength
Forwards
Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – If he’s fit he’s got to play, right? Working on the basis he will be, Arteta will likely field Martinelli from the start. In these fixtures Arsenal need someone who can burst beyond his man and evade their markers, hence why I believe the Brazilian will come in.
Him playing does have implications elsewhere along the forward line, though…
Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng (ST) – The captain starting up front means no Alexandre Lacazette. Unjust? You could absolutely say so, especially given the contrasting goalscoring form of the two.
However, Arteta will only ever drop Aubameyang if he absolutely has to. While the sheer volume of minutes he’s clocked up would suggest he needs to rest, that could come in the next round of the FA Cup before league action resumes away at Southampton.
Bukayo Saka (RW) – Another player who had a quiet game most recently, Bukayo Saka‘s influence wasn’t as potent as it usually was with the structured defensive shape Palace employed doing well to stifle his threat.
Out on the right he’s been a consistent danger to opposition teams though, the level of performance that will hopefully return for the visit of Steve Bruce’s side to the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening.