Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Martinelli as striker?

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Arsenal’s (Arteta’s) saviour once more when the Gunners were staring down the barrel of Europa League elimination, Saka continued to carry the side as he has done for extended spells of the campaign.

An invisible first half was matched with a much improved second 45 minutes as his character shone, ‘winning’ the penalty and making a general nuisance of himself.

Gabriel Martinelli (ST) – It has to happen at some point, and my feeling is it will be at St James’ Park. Lacazette remains touch and go and could be introduced later in the game for some minutes, while Aubameyang is in a similar position as he recovers from malaria.

The false-nine approach went down like a lead balloon, and with Eddie Nketiah not in the manager’s plans and Folarin Balogun still untested at Premier League level, Martinelli’s energy and directness may finally get the chance down the middle in the starting lineup.

Willian (LW) – It’s worth noting that Arteta has gone from trusting Willian to now not having him in any of his current plans. About time, too.

Emile Smith Rowe is in desperate need of a breather after midweek, while the same can be said of Nicolas Pepe who ran himself into the ground. Incredible work-rate. With others then touch and go to start, it may be that Willian is left as the only option.

There is, however, a good chance that Nketiah does start in attack and Martinelli shifts to the left. But I reckon Arteta will go with this lineup for Sunday.