Arsenal welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium this weekend as Mikel Arteta’s side look to maintain momentum in the final stretch of the Premier League season. With the title already wrapped up by Liverpool, the Gunners will be eager to finish strongly and build rhythm heading into the summer.
Arteta is expected to stick with a familiar 4-3-3 formation, blending experience with youthful energy. With most of his key players available, here’s how Arsenal are likely to line up against the Magpies.
**Goalkeeper: David Raya**
David Raya continues to justify his role as Arsenal’s undisputed No.1. The Spaniard has been pivotal to Arteta’s build-from-the-back philosophy and has kept crucial clean sheets in recent weeks. Despite speculation over a possible challenge for the position next season, there’s no doubt Raya starts here.
**Defence: Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly**
Ben White will likely retain his place at right-back, offering both defensive stability and support in the final third. William Saliba remains a cornerstone of the Arsenal defence, and he is expected to be paired with Jakub Kiwior once again. Kiwior has stepped up well in the absence of Gabriel Magalhães, proving solid and composed under pressure.
With options at left-back still limited and Oleksandr Zinchenko not fully convincing defensively, Mikel Arteta could hand another start to Myles Lewis-Skelly. The teenager has shown incredible maturity and tactical intelligence for his age, and this test against Newcastle’s wide threats could further accelerate his development.
**Midfield: Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice**
Jorginho is currently sidelined with injury, leaving space in midfield for Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian midfielder will likely sit in the deeper role, flanked by Declan Rice on the left and Martin Ødegaard on the right.
Rice has been one of Arsenal’s standout players all season, and his box-to-box presence will be vital in nullifying Newcastle’s direct threats. Ødegaard, meanwhile, remains the creative heartbeat of the team, and his leadership will be key in guiding some of the younger players around him.
**Attack: Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli**
Bukayo Saka is fully fit and firing again. After overcoming a minor knee issue earlier in the campaign, the 23-year-old has looked sharp and determined. He will be eager to add to his goal tally and stretch Newcastle’s backline with his relentless directness.
Leandro Trossard is expected to start centrally, possibly as a false nine. His movement and link-up play have been vital in recent matches, and his ability to rotate with the wingers gives Arsenal added unpredictability.
Gabriel Martinelli is likely to complete the front three. While not always consistent this season, his explosive pace and work rate make him a constant threat.
**Conclusion**
Arsenal’s predicted lineup reflects a desire to end the season on a high while continuing to trust in the squad’s depth. With Saka fit, Rice dominant, and Raya secure at the back, the Gunners will fancy their chances against a Newcastle side fighting for European qualification.