Predicted lineup and XI vs Newcastle as Mikel Arteta makes Mikel Merino replacement decision

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Arsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners will secure Champions League qualification for next season with victory over the Magpies, although they’ll lose their grip on second place with defeat.

Arsenal held Liverpool to a draw in their last game, completing an impressive comeback against the Premier League Champions to spare Mikel Arteta’s blushes.

The Spaniard will be desperate for his team to end their five-match winless run in all competitions, and finish their home campaign on a high.

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Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Newcastle

Arteta is likely to field his strongest possible team for this clash, as it essentially being a second-place play-off.

However, he will be without the suspended Mikel Merino, who was sent off at Anfield last Sunday.

Meanwhile, Kai Havertz could play a role against Newcastle after returning to training earlier this week.

That said, this game is likely to come too early for the German, meaning either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli will start up front, with the latter impressing centrally in the second half on Merseyside.

Declan Rice will replace Merino in midfield if deemed fit enough, while Jurrien Timber will likely come back in for Ben White, with the rest of the side remaining the same.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Newcastle: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard.

Mikel Arteta has to start Gabriel Martinelli as a striker in Arsenal v Newcastle

Martinelli was excellent as a striker last week against Liverpool.

After enduring a difficult first half, the Brazilian sprung to life after being moved down the middle, with his dynamic runs in behind causing the Reds’ backline all sorts of issues.

It took Martin Odegaard some time to recognise the runs Martinelli was making, but once he did, the Norwegian began creating for the pacy forward.

Arteta has to look to build on this promising ploy against Newcastle, and start the 23-year-old as a number nine this time around.

Against two physically declining centre-backs in Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, Martinelli’s speed and direct running could be Arsenal’s best route to a result.