Arsenal vs Newcastle United prediction: Arsenal line-up

After a brilliant victory against Manchester United and a ruthless comeback against Rennais in the Europa League, Arsenal enjoyed a two-week break in Dubai which included a game against Al-Nasr.

The Gunners will look to return to the Premier League with a bang as they host Newcastle on Monday night. The Gunners have a massive chance to leapfrog rivals Tottenham, who have a difficult game away to Liverpool.

Team News

Long-term absentees Rob Holding, Danny Welbeck and Hector Bellerin are still out of contention for a return to the Premier League. Lucas Torreira remains suspended after his sending off against Spurs earlier this month.

Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka picked up knocks in the international break but are expected to recover in time for Monday’s game.

Probable Arsenal XI

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Manager: Unai Emery

Bernd Leno (GK)

The German has been in outstanding form in recent games and is a vital part of Unai Emery’s squad.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (CB)

The Greek warrior has been the Gunners’ best defender by a country mile. Arsenal will need him to be at his best to cement their place in the top 4.

Laurent Koscielny (CB)

The skipper is yet to put a foot wrong since his return from injury and his leadership at the back will be hugely important.

Nacho Monreal (CB)

The left-back has been converted into a centre-half in recent times and has been hugely effective. He should continue there on Monday.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RWB)

The youngster has impressed every time he has played and even scored against Rennais in the Europa League. He should continue his fine form against Newcastle on Monday.

Granit Xhaka (CM)

The Swiss international has been a real leader this campaign and is high on confidence after scoring a typical Xhaka goal against Denmark.

Matteo Guendouzi (CM)

The teenager has had an insane start to life in the Premier League and should be picked over Aaron Ramsey even if the Welshman recovers.

Sead Kolasinac (LWB)

The Bosnian has been outstanding in the attack but has been caught out defensively at times. The switch to a back-three has helped ease the pressure on Kolasinac and his bombarding runs will be hugely important.

Mesut Ozil (CAM)

The German’s creative influence in the midfield will more or less determine Arsenal’s fortunes in the attack and his through balls will be welcomed by the forwards.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)

Arsenal’s top scorer this season has regained his form, having scored 3 goals in his last 2 games. The Gabonese hitman’s performance will be hugely important in Arsenal’s pursuit of a top-three finish.

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Alexandre Lacazette (ST)

The Frenchman has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season and has formed an outstanding partnership with Aubameyang up top.