Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-4-2) vs Newcastle United

Ed Davison | 26 November 2021 | Arsenal | No Comments

Arsenal entertain Newcastle United in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.

The north London giants were completely outplayed last weekend as they suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Despite this, they are only three points adrift of the top four, and will be keen to return to winning ways against the Magpies.

They have an excellent record against the Magpies. The Tyneside outfit have not beaten them at home over the past decade.

Formation: 4-4-2

Predicted Line-up:

Aaron Ramsdale has been an undisputed choice in goal since the beginning of September. He has had a couple of nervous moments, but has redeemed himself with multiple saves of the highest order. The England international is expected to start ahead of Bernd Leno.

In defence, there will be at least one change. Nuno Tavares had a disappointing showing at Anfield last weekend where he gifted the second goal with a poor backpass straight to Diogo Jota. He repeated the same on two more occasions, but his teammates were on guard.

The Portuguese looks set to be replaced by Kieran Tierney at left-back. Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes are very likely to continue as the central defensive pairing. Similarly, Takehiro Tomiyasu could start at right-back for the tenth successive league game.

In the centre of the park, Thomas Partey is a guaranteed presence with his experience. Albert Sambi Lokonga has been his regular midfield partner in recent games, but the Belgian has been far from impressive, getting dispossessed in key defensive situations.

Mikel Arteta may mull a change with Ainsley Maitland-Niles or Mohamed Elneny replacing him. The former could get the nod, having been a more regular presence on the field over the past few months. Maitland-Niles could cement his place with a stand-out display.

Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are likely to continue from the wide midfield positions. Saka looked lively in the early exchanges against the Reds, but he could not find the cutting edge in the final third. Both players will be keen to make a mark tomorrow.

Alexandre Lacazette worked hard with his link-up play against the Reds, creating an excellent chance for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Frenchman could start for the fifth-game running alongside the club captain. He has three goals in six league meetings against the Magpies.