Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Newcastle - Premier League

Newcastle away. What could go wrong? You're never too far away from a 'did it go out?' or VAR controversy up there. Who said I'm bitter?

St. James' Park, as the Gunners have discovered under Mikel Arteta, particularly at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, is not for the faint-hearted. This is a tough place to go and win football matches, even if Eddie Howe's side have endured a stuttering start to the new season.

A 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday supplied the Toon Army with a much-needed morale boost and you can bet your bottom dollar that the atmosphere will be fervent despite the early arrival of Saturday's fixture.

Arteta will have to lean on the physicality of his side in this one, and here's the starting XI the Spaniard is likely to pick for out upcoming Tyneside rendezvous.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Newcastle (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - There was respite for Raya in the week as Tommy Setford made his Arsenal bow, but Arteta will revert to the norm between the sticks on

Ben White (RB) - White was excellent at centre-back last weekend following a dip in form post-injury return, and he earned a midweek break. With Arsenal better stocked at centre-back for this fixture, the Englishman should drift out to right-back and potentially face up against Anthony Gordon.

William Saliba (CB) - It was a walk in the park for Saliba on Wednesday and he'll be back in the Premier League XI after serving a one-game Premier League suspension against Liverpool. He'll be tested by Alexander Isak's channel running on Saturday.

Gabriel (CB) - The club are reportedly bullish over Gabriel's chances of starting at St. James' given that he was supposedly in contention for Wednesday's Carabao Cup win.

Jurrien Timber (LB) - With Riccardo Calafiori out until after the November break and Timber avoiding injury last weekend, we'll likely see the sturdy Dutchman get the nod at left-back.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) - It was a good October for Partey, who's trying to secure that bag. After performing superbly at right-back against the Reds, Arteta will revert the Ghanaian to a holding midfield position.

Declan Rice (CM) - Rice has been brilliant as of late, and he has a big role to play against an industrious Newcastle midfield. The battle for control in the middle of the park will be fierce.

Mikel Merino (CM) - The Spaniard is easing into north London life, and his first goal for the club will undoubtedly help. He better win his foogin duels here.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Put this team on your back, Bukayo. The English international is playing at a serious level right now, and he'll fancy feasting on young Lewis Hall on Saturday.

Kai Havertz (ST) - Havertz is going to have to be crafty to outduel a couple of man mountains at the heart of Newcastle's defence. The German added to his goal tally with a thumping header on Wednesday.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - This feels like a Leandro Trossard off the bench sort of game. Arteta will turn to Martinelli to penetrate in behind Newcastle's backline.

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