Arsenal face a tough test in their next game as they travel up north to face Newcastle United in the early kick-off on Saturday.
Arsenal suffered a controversial 1-0 defeat in their last trip to St James’ Park last year, as Anthony Gordon’s goal arguably should have been disallowed, in a series of contentious refereeing decisions.
Mikel Arteta’s side will want to avoid a repeat of the drama which saw them lose, but they still have a difficult task on their hands as they aim to beat Eddie Howe’s Magpies.
Arsenal team and injury news ahead of Newcastle
Arsenal have suffered a lot of injuries recently, but they have been handed a boost with the imminent return of Martin Odegaard, who could be in contention to return to the squad within the next week.
William Saliba has returned from suspension, which kept him out of the draw against Liverpool, whilst there remains hope that Gabriel Magalhaes will be fit after he was withdrawn with injury.
Jurrien Timber also came off against Liverpool, but he played 45 minutes against Preston in the EFL Cup, and looks set to start.
Ben White missed the Preston game, but there is optimism that he will be able to return to face Newcastle.
Martin Odegaard unlikely to feature against Newcastle
Odegaard is likely to feature at some point before the November international break, but it is unlikely that this will come at Newcastle.
It has been mooted that he could return to the squad for the trip, but even if he makes the bench, Arteta is unlikely to bring him on unless Arsenal have a comfortable lead.
The Newcastle trip last season saw both sides exchange heavy tackles, and Odegaard is unlikely to be risked in a high-intensity environment as he aims to ease his way back into action.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle
Arsenal look set to have something resembling a normal back-four after ending the Liverpool match with a makeshift defence, but Riccardo Calafiori will still miss out.
Arteta has a decision to make in midfield, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey both impressing at the base, whilst Ethan Nwaneri could not have done much more to earn a starting place.
Arsenal may not wish to line up with a conservative midfield trio of Rice, Partey and Mikel Merino, and may opt for physicality and experience for the trip, meaning Nwaneri misses out.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber; Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.
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