**By Danong and 1970s Gooner**
**The battle for second place in the Premier League unfolds today as Arsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.
Winless in their last four games, Arsenal need to shake off their poor form. But can they do so against a side they haven't beaten in their last three encounters? Can they overcome a Newcastle team desperate to keep their place in the top four?
Paul Merson, sharing his predictions for Arsenal versus Newcastle, can't see how Arsenal fail to win this game.**
**He believes their hunger to secure second place—fuelled by their spirited comeback against Liverpool and the disappointment of their Champions League exit—has them fully focused on the task at hand. In his view, Gooners can look forward to a 3-1 victory.**
**Gooners will be hoping the team can step up and finally deliver something to smile about after weeks of frustration.**
**For that to happen, Mikel Arteta needs to get his tactics right especially on how to counteract the aggressive Newcastle press in the middle of the park.**
**He must of course nail his selection, ensuring Arsenal field their strongest available eleven. With no other obligations and the season drawing to a close, there's nothing to lose.**
**Kai Havertz has returned to training this week, putting himself in contention for a start on Sunday.**
**His availability is a massive boost, though it's doubtful that Arteta will throw him straight into the starting lineup. Meanwhile, there are lingering fitness concerns over Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.**
**As important as Havertz is, it’s unlikely he’ll be risked from the outset. Arteta could still opt for Leandro Trossard up front, with Havertz introduced as an impact substitute.**
**He could of course start Martinelli in the number 9 position considering how well he played there at Anfield.
**
**Additionally if Rice is fit then he should start considering the importance of this match in getting into the Champions League as well as finishing in second second place.**
**However if he is not fit then with Merino serving his one match ban, Arteta may need to consider MLS starting as a midfielder with either Tierney or Zinchenko at left back.**
**MLS would be more adept at countering the physicality that the Newcastle midfield will offer.**
**If this scenario materialises then this would be the line up:**
**Raya**
**
Timber (White), Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney
Ødegaard, Partey, MLS
Saka, Martinelli, Trossard
**
**Otherwise with Rice as an 8 and the team below, Arsenal will prove to be too strong for Newcastle.**
**Raya**
**
Timber (White), Saliba, Kiwior, MLS
Ødegaard, Partey, Rice
Saka, Martinelli, Trossard
Prediction: 3-1
**