Arsenal’s second place in the Premier League is seriously under threat as they take on Newcastle United at the Emirates. Here is our Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Newcastle United for May 18
How Arsenal Have Lined-up Recently
In the dramatic 2-2 draw against Liverpool, David Raya started in goal.
Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly held down the defence.
Mikel Merino had a particularly eventful game in midfield, scoring Arsenal’s equaliser before being sent off nine minutes later. He was supported by Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey in the middle.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli provided the Gunner’s firepower.
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Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
In their last five matches in all competitions, Arsenal have two draws and three losses.
Newcastle United have enjoyed a meteoric rise up the table and have already beaten Arsenal twice in the League Cup and once in the league earlier this season.
Arteta described Newcastle as a difficult team to play against. He explained: “They dominate almost every aspect of the game. They are great when they have to attack a low block and they have a lot of presence in the box. If they need to run set-pieces, run transitions, defend a low block or if the game has to get physical, they are ready to do that. The way they compete, they are smart. They try to take advantage of a lot of things like any good team, and you have to dominate a lot of things, even if you’re not on top of the table in this league.”
There are similarities here to how the Gunners have approached their own campaign. They have had to constantly respond to the demands of multiple competitions, plus manage injury crises, all the while adapting their tactics accordingly.
Recently, Arteta has played with a 4-4-2, then a 4-2-3-1 to try to counter Paris Saint-Germain’s multiple threats. Mostly, it has been a 4-3-3 formation that the Gunners have preferred for much of the season.
Going into their final two matches, it will be no doubt be more of the same as the North London outfit try to finish the season on a high as runners-up, rather than crumbling to a third or even fourth place finish.
Arsenal Injuries and Absentees to Consider
Arsenal are still suffering from injuries to key players in the squad.
A raft of stars, including Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, are all in doubt for the Newcastle match.
Rice missed the Liverpool encounter with a hip problem. Meanwhile, Trossard and Martinelli picked up issues against Liverpool.
Arteta gave the following update on these stars: “They’ve done parts of the session, not a complete session, so we’re going to have to wait and see tomorrow if they can deal with things that they haven’t done because they weren’t ready to that at the end of the week.”
But there was a glimmer of good news for the Gunners. Kai Havertz may be able to play some part against the Magpies.
Arteta said: “We’re going to decide that tomorrow. He’s done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days and looks in great shape, but I think it’s more of a shout for all the medical staff, the doctor especially to give the clearance and then how Kai actually feels to contribute if he’s required.”
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus remain out.
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Arsenal Predicted Lineup Vs Newcastle United
GK: David Raya
RB: Ben White
CB: William Saliba
CB: Jakub Kiwior
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly
CM: Martin Odegaard
CM: Thomas Partey
CM: Ethan Nwaneri
RW: Bukayo Saka
CF: Gabriel Martinelli
LW: Raheem Sterling