Arsenal got back to winning ways in midweek with their win over Preston North End. However, the attention turns quickly to the weekend as Mikel Arteta’s side now has the intention of avenging their controversial defeat on Tyneside last season.
Newcastle were the first side to beat Arsenal in the last campaign and did so thanks to a goal which Mikel Arteta took umbrage with post-match. The ball looked to go out of play in the build-up, but no camera angle could determine whether that was the case and then Joelinton appeared to foul Gabriel Magalhaes in the box.
Arsenal were punished last weekend by Anthony Taylor in the build-up to a late Gabriel Jesus goal that would have won the game against Liverpool. Jakub Kiwior was punished for what looked an even tamer collision with Dominik Szoboszlai.
In the game, Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a knee problem and it remains to be seen whether Arteta will be able to call on the Brazilian for the trip.
After Tommy Setford’s debut in midweek, David Raya will of course come back into the starting XI to face Newcastle, looking to keep a clean sheet in the league for the first time since September 15 in the 1-0 win at Tottenham. Nine goals have been conceded since then in five games as the Gunners’ defensive record has taken a hit.
In the back line, William Saliba shifts across to Gabriel’s left centre-half role to partner Ben White in the middle of defence. Thomas Partey was very impressive at right-back against Liverpool and therefore also comes into the team.
