Predicted Arsenal Line-up To Face Newcastle United In The Premier League
Arsenal host Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon in search of a much-needed win. The Gunners have picked up 2 points from a possible 9 recently and desperately need a lift to catch the top four. They are currently on 30 points, 1 behind Liverpool, Spurs and surprise package Burnley, 5 behind the champions and 19 off the summit. The title race is surely over but they must push for a Champions League spot.
One promising sign for Arsene Wenger is that Newcastle have picked up just 1 point from their last 6 matches. However, the Frenchman hasn’t conceded the title yet. He said that Manchester City are still far away and anything could happen. Their change in formation, return of Jack Wilshere to his 100% and their dominance while going forward is another sign of good hope though. It is going be a contest where both teams are in a nervous situation to win, but for different reasons.
Team News
Shkodran Mustafi hasn’t recovered from his injury yet and will not be available for this game. Aaron Ramsey will be a big miss and he too, as he is out injured. Santi Cazorla has undergone another surgery, unfortunately, and remains a long-term absentee. Expect Wenger to play a four-man defence again, with a typical No.10 behind the striker.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Petr Cech will start in goal for the Gunners. He has been inconsistent this season so far. On one day, he makes life harder for himself whereas, on the other hand, the former Czech Republic skipper turns out to be a saviour for his side.
Hector Bellerin, who is an absolute gun while getting forward, will play as the right-back. His crossing needs to get better though.
Nacho Monreal impressed as a centre-back as he was mature and well positioned throughout. He can play the long diagonal balls too. Alongside him, will be Laurent Koscielny. He too is having a roller coaster season so far with some disappointing performances on the back of a few impressive ones.
Sead Kolasinac should be back after being rested against West Ham. His physicality and attacking brilliance will come in handy for the Gunners.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka could see himself play a deeper role, especially after he put up one of his best defensive shows of the season, against West Ham.
Jack Wilshere should start alongside Xhaka. This would be his first Premier League start at the Emirates since May 2016. He was influential in the previous game and will look to control the proceedings in a similar way.
Mesut Ozil should play in his favoured number 10 role, the position where everyone could see his very best. He has created the third most chances in the league this season, after De Bruyne and Cesc Fabregas.
Attack
If Arsenal have to win and reach places this season, Alexis Sanchez needs to start firing. He should start on the left wing.
The work rate, sharp dribbling and quick passing of Alex Iwobi could be seen on the right wing.
Lacazette should lead the line again after Giroud was finally given a start, against the Irons.