Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Martinelli as striker?

Arsenal have another football match this weekend. That might be a good thing. Indeed, Mikel Arteta takes his side to Newcastle for Sunday’s Premier League encounter. Here is the predicted lineup.

An interesting scenario not too dissimilar from the Everton clash awaits for Mikel Arteta, as he ponders over whether to play a side close to the one he intends to field in the Europa League second leg or grant minutes to those on the periphery.

The woeful performance against Villarreal somehow resulted in Arsenal having the chance to make amends on Thursday, as Nicolas Pepe’s penalty salvaged a desperately needed away goal to keep the tie alive.

Making just one alteration from the defeat to the Toffees for the clash, it became apparent that the boss wanted to add stability into the team heading into such a crunch tie. Systematically, however, the lineup was a disaster and with Kieran Tierney nearing his return from injury and both regular centre-forwards nearing their comebacks, he may revert to a more comfortable formation.

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Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Gabriel Martinelli to get his chance at centre-forward?

Just how close the Scotsman and Alexandre Lacazette are isn’t known. Both deemed ‘in contention’ for the first leg, neither made the bench which indicates it may have been a smokescreen planned to unsettle the man in the opposite dugout.

David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did feature in some capacity, but the manager stressed the latter will need time to recover from contracting malaria while on international duty.

Gabriel Martinelli continues to be exempt from starting lineups despite his obvious qualities, and as he’s nurtured into a centre-forward long-term, the option is there to give him his chance as a striker from the start against a slow Newcastle central defensive trio.

Will he also move away from the back three setup that had worked prior to Villarreal, or shift Granit Xhaka back into midfield where his physicality was sorely missed?

Here is the predicted lineup.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – There was huge debate over whether Mat Ryan should keep his place in the starting lineup after his late heroics against Fulham, coupled with Leno’s most recent gaffe. The German is, however, the number one and whatever continuity can be built pre-Villarreal Arteta will likely seek to do. His save at 2-0 could be more important than initially thought.

Calum Chambers (RB) – One of few players who could leave Estadio de la Ceramica without feeling he contributed to the defeat, Chambers rarely put a foot wrong even if he didn’t put too many feet right (few did). With plenty of rest ahead of the next fixture, he may keep his place.

David Luiz (CB) – Featuring on the bench and seen training with the rest of the squad on the Friday morning, it appears as if the Brazilian is edging closer to his return. It could be too soon for him, but his presence will be needed on Thursday thus getting some minutes into his legs will be crucial.

Gabriel (CB) – Combined these two are the best pairing at the club. Again it’s tough to call as Arteta sticking with Holding and Mari for four of the last five fixtures strongly suggests he wants to build a foundation as the Europa League looms. However, if both the Brazilians are fit, they’re the best choice therefore he may resort to this duo.

Cedric Soares (LB) – Xhaka at left-back has run its course. It worked, no doubt, and showed Arteta’s tactical acumen in solving an issue in a manner few expected, but all good things must come to an end and that should have been the Everton match. Tierney’s fitness is paramount for the return leg and if he can come on during the latter stages that would be ideal.