Arsenal lineup Vs Newcastle revealed as Mikel Arteta made TWO changes to the lineup that started against Porto- £90M duo returns to the XI for the first time this month
Ahead of their clash with Newcastle United, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opted for two significant alterations to the lineup, reintroducing a £90 million duo for the first time this month.
**Exciting Showdown at Emirates Stadium**
This Saturday evening, Arsenal is poised for an enticing duel against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, aiming to extend their impressive run of victories in the Premier League. With five wins in recent fixtures, including three instances of scoring five or more goals, the Gunners are displaying formidable form. Currently trailing league leaders Liverpool by a mere five points, Arsenal has the opportunity to narrow the gap with a game in hand.
**Champions League Setback and Resurgent Magpies**
Despite their domestic success, Arsenal faced a setback in the midweek Champions League clash against FC Porto, enduring a narrow 1-0 defeat. This loss has presented Arteta’s squad with a challenge to overcome in the upcoming second leg if they aim to progress to the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United is undergoing a resurgence of their own, remaining unbeaten in four consecutive league matches with two wins and two draws. Positioned at eighth in the league table, a victory in the capital could potentially propel them higher, even surpassing Brighton.
**Anticipation Builds for Weekend Clash**
As anticipation builds for the weekend encounter, both teams are strategizing their lineups for the pivotal match. Amidst speculation, let’s explore the latest team updates and predicted starting XIs for both Arsenal and Newcastle United.
**Arsenal’s Team Update**
Injury concerns at Arsenal are beginning to ease, with players like Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe returning to fitness, albeit making bench appearances in the recent Porto clash. However, uncertainties remain over the availability of key players for the upcoming match.
Defender Jurrien Timber remains sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained on the season’s opening weekend, although there are reports of progress in his rehabilitation. Additionally, doubts persist over the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both grappling with knocks that could sideline them for the impending fixture.
**Optimism Amidst Challenges**
Despite these challenges, there’s optimism within the Arsenal camp. Forward Gabriel Jesus could be set for a comeback, undergoing a late fitness assessment ahead of Newcastle’s visit. Furthermore, fans eagerly await the potential return of Thomas Partey, sidelined due to a persistent muscle complaint. Arteta expressed optimism regarding Partey’s recovery, hinting at a possible comeback.
**Arsenal Predicted XI**
The predicted starting XI for Arsenal includes David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior; Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli.