Arsenal v Newcastle- team news and predicted line-up
Arsenal will be looking to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round when they host Newcastle at the Emirates on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side will enter the clash full of confidence after winning their last three Premier League matches, with a 4-0 rout of West Brom last time out. For Newcastle, it is a different story, however, winless in their last six games across all competitions.
The Gunners will now have their next three games in a row at the Emirates with Crystal Palace and then Newcastle set to visit in the league before traveling to face Southampton on January 26.
Mikel Arteta’s side are the current holders of the FA Cup and will be looking to keep hope alive that they can retain their title.
Steve Bruce’s side is on a horrible run which has seen them collect 19 points from 16 games to leave them languishing down in 15th in the league table and many suggest that their next league game against Sheffield United is far more important than Saturday’s clash with the Gunners and the team Bruce puts out could be proof of that.
Team news
Arsenal
The Gunners injury woes have improved significantly and there is a slight chance the Thomas Partey could feature after the midfielder has returned to full training this week after fully recovering from his thigh issue.
Defender Gabriel could potentially be available however Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has said that the defender will need to pass all the checks before being cleared to return.
Arteta is expected to ring the changes for this one with Alex Runarsson, Cedric Soares, Gabriel Martinelli, Joe Willock, Ainsley Maitland-Niles all in line for starts against Newcastle.
Newcastle
Both Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser are out, and Jamal Lascelles is doubtful after he still suffers the effects of Covid-19.
Isaac Hayden is in line to return after his one-match ban; however, it could be from the bench as Steve Bruce could use this as an opportunity to rotate his squad.
Dwight Gayle, Javi Manquillo, Martin Dubravka, Jeff Hendrick, and Paul Dummett could all start for the Magpies along with Jacob Murphy and Jonjo Shelvey.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Runarsson; Cedric, Gabriel, Luiz, Maitland-Niles; Partey, Ceballos; Martinelli, Willock, Pepe; Nketiah
Arsenal come into this match flying high whereas Newcastle is in horrible form. Even with strong rotations, Mikel Arteta’s side should win and win comfortably.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle
