After suffering a painful loss to Porto in their first Champions League knockout match in seven years, the Gunners will host an out-of-form Newcastle side in the Premier League. Last Word on Football brings you an Arsenal predicted lineup for this critical league meeting.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Newcastle United
🆙 next in N5: Newcastle United pic.twitter.com/1iHFhUCYkv
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 23, 2024
How Arsenal Have Lined up Recently
In the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior has slotted in at left-back for Mikel Arteta’s side. The rest of the defence has remained unchanged in the last few months. David Raya has kept his spot in goal since taking over from Aaron Ramsdale early in the season.
Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Ben White form the core of this defence that has allowed a league-low 22 goals this season.
Read More: Jurgen Klopp Surprised by Arsenal’s Decision to Let Talented Midfielder Leave on Loan
Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard have been the preferred midfield trio for Mikel Arteta. In the absence of Gabriel Jesus who is out with a calf injury, Leandro Trossard has led the line for Mikel Arteta’s side admirably. Jorginho has come into the midfield for crucial games against Liverpool and Manchester City.
The young and exciting duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have started on the wings when fit and will be looking to hit the ground running against the Magpies.
Watch: The Domino Effect Ruining Football
Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
The Gunners head into the game after a disappointing performance in Portugal in the UEFA Champions League. Despite this setback, the North London side can head into the weekend’s fixture with a lot of confidence after their recent performances in the domestic campaign.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano: “Incredible” Arsenal Target’s Agent In Contact With Clubs Over Summer Move
Arteta has stuck with a 4-3-3 formation this season which sees the full-backs invert into the midfield while in possession. No matter the personnel, the Spanish manager prefers to play this style of football which allows for an extra player in midfield alongside Rice.
When Jorginho comes into the side, Rice is given license to roam further up the field. When Trossard plays as the striker, he allows the wide players to cut in and attack the opposition goal, while Havertz plays more as a target-man for the Gunners.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, and Jurrien Timber are expected to miss the match against Eddie Howe’s side. However, it must be noted that the Ghanaian midfielder has been spotted in training and is expected to make a comeback soon.
Fabio Vieira made the trip to Portugal midweek but was an unused sub as the Gunners lost to his boyhood club. The 23-year-old could see some minutes against Newcastle.
Read More: Can Mikel Arteta Fix Arsenal’s Awful Record in Europe?
There are no other pressing concerns for the Spanish manager and he will be hoping that as they head into the business end of the season, he has the freedom to rotate his players when required.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
GK – David Raya
RB – Ben White
CB – William Saliba
CB – Gabriel Magalhaes
LB – Jakub Kiwior
CDM – Jorginho
CM – Declan Rice
CM – Martin Odegaard
RW – Bukayo Saka
ST – Kai Havertz
LW – Gabriel Martinelli
