Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Newcastle: Who starts up top?

A similar performance to last season at St. James’ Park last season will be the perfect antidote for Arsenal supporters after the Gunners were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Arsenal were flat on Wednesday night as a rotated XI failed to get the job done away at West Ham, eventually succumbing 3-1.

And now, one of the toughest fixtures in the Premier League calendar awaits Mikel Arteta’s side as they visit Newcastle on Saturday evening. The Magpies will be without a whole host of stars for the weekend’s clash, but Arsenal, too, have injuries of their own. Emile Smith Rowe is the latest to join the injury list.

Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, and long-term absentee Jurrien Timber will also be missing as the Gunners attempt to keep pace with Manchester City and Tottenham at the summit.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Newcastle

Here’s how Arsenal could line up against Newcastle on Saturday.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) – Aaron Ramsdale’s rare appearance in midweek didn’t exactly go to plan, and it looks like Raya will remain Arsenal’s number one for the foreseeable.

Ben White (RB) – White will be looking to bounce back this weekend after a dire showing on Wednesday night.

William Saliba (CB) – Saliba’s serenity and the ease at which he progresses possession was missed at West Ham. He’ll return to the fold on Saturday.

Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel seemingly missed the presence of Saliba in midweek, but he’ll have his right-hand man alongside him on Tyneside.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (LB) – Arteta’s decision to only use Tomiyasu off the bench on Wednesday would suggest he’ll start at St. James’ Park.

Midfielders

Declan Rice (DM) – Jorginho played pretty well at Newcastle last season, but I don’t think he’ll be used from the outset on Saturday. Instead, Rice will drop into a deeper position.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Odegaard’s cameo was one of few positives on Wednesday night. While he’s apparently been fighting an injury in recent weeks, he should be okay to start on Saturday.

Kai Havertz (CM) – There’s still a gaping midfield void which Arsenal are yet to fill. Arteta is desperate for Havertz to work. The German’s duel-winning capabilities will come in handy against an aggressive Newcastle midfield.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka earned some respite in the week, so let’s hope he’s fresh and firing against the Magpies.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Nketiah was woeful at West Ham, but it’d be harsh to drop the striker after he bagged his maiden Premier League hat-trick last weekend.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Leandro Trossard has done little since returning from injury to warrant minutes over Martinelli in the Premier League. The Brazilian’s speed will be necessary against Newcastle.