Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Odegaard in 4-2-3-1?
Forwards
Bukayo Saka (RW) – Return of the 4-2-3-1!
Even if the 4-4-2/4-4-1-1/4-2-2-2/whatever has shades of 4-2-3-1 in it, the reintroduction of Odegaard as the No. 10 feels like the step Arteta will take to get all three of his best creators in those zones around the penalty box.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – Feeding off scraps last time out, for all his hard work off the ball and leadership by example, a few goals wouldn’t go amiss. Especially against a defence that has conceded more than anyone else in the division.
Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – One of Smith Rowe or Saka could be given the afternoon off – or at least out of the starting lineup – to account for the upcoming two away fixtures, but Arteta will want momentum in his team starting with Saturday.
If Newcastle set up in the 3-4-3 shape as they did against Brentford then the game is set up magnificently for Smith Rowe to exploit those advanced half-spaces between the visitors’ lines.