The predicted Arsenal team to start against Newcastle United in the Premier League as the Gunners begin their five-game run toward the title
06:00, 25 Apr 2026Updated 08:44, 25 Apr 2026
Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori could both return to the Arsenal team this weekend against Newcastle United
View Image
Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori could both return to the Arsenal team this weekend against Newcastle United(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal take on Newcastle United in the Premier League, hoping to retake their top spot after losing it to Manchester City in midweek. A one-nil win over Burnley was enough for the Gunners to slip down to second place, but only on goals scored, with both teams on 70 points and 37 goal difference.
The Magpies have caused Arsenal plenty of problems in recent seasons but they come to north London weakened. Several players, including Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Joelinton, are missing through injury and suspension.
While Arsenal also still have question marks over some key players too that Arteta will need to make calls on, especially considering a trip to Atletico Madrid comes in just a few days. With that in mind, who he selects to try and win at the Emirates Stadium is being hotly discussed.
Here is who football.london predicts will start for Arsenal:
David Raya
Just needs to bring the calm we saw in Lisbon that has seemingly waned over the past couple of weeks as mistakes have crept into the Spaniard’s game.
Ben White
With Anthony Gordon not in play, it might be that the more attacking option is picked for the right-back role.
William Saliba
The Frenchman was excellent at Manchester City despite his partner’s emotional game, and his consistency will be key in these final games.
Gabriel
A very lucky man, some would argue, after his head-to-head moment with Erling Haaland, and now he needs to find his composure.
Piero Hincapie
Despite the return of Riccardo Calafiori to fitness, Hincapie deserves to play and continue his fine form at left-back.
Martin Zubimendi
After a week of rest, this could be the time we see the best from the Spaniard, whose form had dipped.
Declan Rice
‘It’s not done!’ - the words of the midfielder have gone viral after the defeat at Man City, and they will be clung to by Arsenal players and fans alike.
Martin Odegaard
Created more chances than anyone else in the Arsenal team combined at City, and a welcome return to the team, especially when they’re in need of goals.
Bukayo Saka
The way Mikel Arteta spoke about Bukayo Saka, it just seems like we might see the winger come straight back into the side. What a return and what a player Arsenal have back.
Kai Havertz
Has to start, no debates, and despite his misses at City, it was obvious just how much better the Gunners were with him there.
Article continues below
Eberechi Eze
While hesitant to commit to more public praising, in terms of what Arteta said, Eze on the left is the best option as things stand.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.