Newcastle United travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Sunday in their penultimate game of the Premier League season.
The Magpies enhanced their Champions League qualification credentials with a 2-0 win over 10-man Chelsea at home last weekend. They have developed into Arsenal’s bogey team in recent years and have beaten them thrice already this season (a pair of Carabao Cup semi-final victories and a league win at St James’ Park).
Another win for the Toon Army in this fixture will see them leapfrog the Gunners into second spot in the table. Mikel Arteta’s men will want to avoid that and should take a lot of confidence from their comeback against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.
Newcastle United Team News
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Kieran Trippier won’t be available to feature at the Emirates Stadium. Sven Botman is a doubt for this game, having taken a strong blow to his knee in the 2-0 home win over Chelsea.
Joelinton, Matt Targett and Lewis Hall remain out too, but former Arsenal man Joe Willock has a chance of being involved.
Predicted Newcastle lineup (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope is Newcastle’s undisputed No.1 and should start against Arsenal, aiming to keep a clean sheet in North London.
Defence
Despite Sven Botman’s potential unavailability, Howe could stick with a back-three system that he used to pretty good effect in the 2-0 win over Chelsea. Emil Krafth is likely to replace Botman in the Newcastle lineup and join Fabian Schar and Dan Burn in a back three for the visitors.
The trio has to be switched on and remain organised throughout the game to come away from the Emirates Stadium with a clean sheet.
Midfield
Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes both found themselves on the scoresheet against Chelsea last time out. The duo should be raring to get into the goalscoring act again against another London club, whilst keeping things disciplined and tidy in the middle of the park.
Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento will be supporting them as wing-backs in the Newcastle lineup, trying to stretch the hosts with their pace, dynamism and directness.
Joe Willock, if passed fit, could get an appearance off the bench.
Attack
A pacey and dynamic front three in Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes appear in line to start. Newcastle’s top scorer this season, Isak, will be aiming to score against Arsenal for the third time this season.
The Swede will be supported by Gordon and Barnes in attack in the Newcastle lineup, trying to cause problems for the hosts with their raw pace and elusive movement.
Will Osula and Callum Wilson should be options to come off the bench if required in attack.
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