Arsenal host Newcastle United in the Premier League later tonight in what has now become a must-win game. The Gunners had to settle for a draw against Crystal Palace last week, and that was a harsh reality check.
The momentum we built with our four wins on the bounce is now gone. Mikel Arteta needs to find a way to get us back to winning ways, and his team selection is straightforward.
Bernd Leno will start in goal after registering his first Premier League clean-sheet at the Emirates this season last week. Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding will start on the right side of the defence, while Kieran Tierney is expected to return after missing out on Thursday.
Luiz dropped, Partey starts
The big change at the back is Gabriel Magalhaes’ return. The Brazilian will likely replace his compatriot David Luiz. The former Chelsea man, signed by Unai Emery, has been solid defensively, but he does seem to slow down our build-up play from the back.
Granit Xhaka keeps his place in front of our defence but he will share the space with Thomas Partey who is expected to start his fifth ever Premier League game later tonight.
Emile Smith Rowe had a quiet game against Palace and he will be looking to get back to his best. The youngster has happy memories against Newcastle having scored to break the deadlock just over a week ago.
Gabriel Martinelli deserves to start but he is expected to stay on the bench for the game tonight. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang showed flashes of his previous self against Crystal Palace, and Arteta should stick by him – at least until the hour-mark.
Bukayo Saka will keep his place on the right and Alexandre Lacazette will start up front. The Frenchman has been in good form and his link-up play will be extremely important tonight against a Newcastle side who will sit back and defend for their lives.
Here’s how we think Arsenal will start tonight
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