Ethan Nwaneri decision made as £50m star misses out: Predicted Arsenal XI v Newcastle
11/01/2024 01:15 PM
Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they take on Newcastle United in Saturday’s early kick-off.
The Gunners head to St James’ Park on the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.
Arsenal have picked up just one point from their last two league games, so they’ll be eager to bounce back in the trip to Tyneside.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s league form has been poor of late, but they face Arsenal on the back of a 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
TBR Football looks at who Mikel Arteta could pick in his starting XI for the Newcastle clash.
Arsenal team news v Newcastle
Arteta confirmed at his pre-match presser – as per football.london – that Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori are “definitely” out.
Likewise, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney remain on the sidelines.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White are doubts, Arteta seemingly more positive on the former’s potential availability than the latter.
Fellow defender William Saliba, who missed last weekend’s draw with Liverpool due to suspension, is now available.
Mikel Arteta likely to pick Leandro Trossard over Ethan Nwaneri
David Raya was given a rest in midweek as Tommy Setford replaced him in between the sticks, and the Spaniard is expected to return to the XI.
Assuming White is unavailable, this would mean Thomas Partey is likely to once again feature at right-back instead of the £50million man.
Jurrien Timber should play at left-back, while Gabriel – who seems likely to be back in action – and William Saliba should complete the back four.
As for the midfield and attack, Arteta could well name the same players that started against Liverpool.
This means a central midfield pairing of Mikel Merino and Declan Rice, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on the wings.
Arteta has the option of starting Ethan Nwaneri in midfield, but chances are he’ll opt for experience away at Newcastle and potentially bring him off the bench.
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard are likely to be in attack.
