Match Preview
Arsenal welcome Newcastle back to the Emirates on Monday evening, just nine days after their hard-fought extra-time victory in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Gunners will look to continue their up-turn in form and make it four wins out of their last five games in the league, in the hope of keeping their ambitions for the season alive.
Despite being eight points off the European places for next season, Arsenal’s recent form suggests this target is still possible, with all three points in this fixture putting them firmly back in contention.
Mikel Arteta has been able to ease his sides creativity issues in recent times by introducing youngster Emile Smith Rowe into the attack, with the 20-year-old contributing to three goals during his run in the side.
The Spaniard is expected to continue with a similar line-up, as their newly found blend of experience and youth has proved effective since the turn of the year.
For the visitors, their form is contrasting having lost five out of their last six games in all competitions, dragging them closer into an unwanted relegation battle.
Steve Bruce’s side sit in 15th place just seven points above the drop coming into this game, with their visit to North London being one of their games in hand over Brighton in 16th.
The Magpies record away at Arsenal desperately needs improving as their last win was in 2010, going onto lose their last nine trips in row at the Emirates since.
Their game-plan is widely expected to mirror the previous fixture against the Gunners, as they look to sit behind the ball and pick their moments to strike.
Team News
Arsenal: Arteta has received a double boost with Gabriel Martinelli and Kieran Tierney expected to be fit in time, as the Brazilian has recovered from an ankle injury which ruled him out of the FA Cup clash last week while the Scotsman is back in full training following positive news after his MRI scan.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kieran Tierney are expected to be fit for Monday night.
Thomas Partey made his long awaited return to first team action on Thursday night, playing the final 20 minutes in our 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace and therefore should be fit enough to play from the start.
However, Spanish defender Pablo Mari, has suffered from a calf-strain in training which looks likely to rule him out of for the next couple of weeks.
Newcastle: The Magpies have an injury crisis at the moment with a number of first-team players out of action, with Jamal Lewis, Federico Fernandez, Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles all facing late fitness tests in order to be included in the squad.
They will also be without Allan Saint-Maximin who continues to struggle with the effects of coronavirus, meaning he has only just returned to training. Ryan Fraser will also be absent as he serves the first match of his three-match suspension following his red card last Tuesday night.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1): Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Xhaka, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang, Saka, Lacazette
Newcastle predicted lineup: (3-4-3): Darlow; Yedlin, Lascelles, Schar, Clark, Dummett; Almiron, Hendrick, S Longstaff, Joelinton; Wilson
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