As part of our Arsenal predicted XI for their upcoming clash against Newcastle United, we expect Mikel Arteta to field an unchanged line-up.
We explain the reasons behind why Arteta will pick every player in what is set to be a cracker of a contest, instead of making changes despite a packed schedule.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle United
Aaron Ramsdale’s inclusion needs no explanation, as he is the club’s go-to No.1.
While some may expect Takehiro Tomiyasu to be given a run-out, his alarming display up against Allan Saint-Maximin in both sides’ previous meeting, coupled with Ben White’s form make it impossible for the latter to be dropped.
William Saliba has been riddled with errors in an Arsenal shirt upon his return from the World Cup, and Mikel Arteta would want his star centre-back to redeem himself against Newcastle.
The tables seem to have turned, as Gabriel Magalhaes is now the Gunners’ in-form central defender, and will be undroppable against a side of the Magpies’ quality especially.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko earning his first Premier League start returning from injury, it would be a surprise to see Mikel Arteta omit his first-choice left-back for Kieran Tierney on Tuesday.
Arsenal simply do not have the luxury of benching Thomas Partey, as the club lack an able replacement in his absence.
While some may wish to see either Fabio Vieira or Emile Smith-Rowe be handed a chance, this would be far too risky an experiment against a side like Newcastle, especially with Granit Xhaka in top form.
As for Martin Odegaard, described as “amazing” by Bukayo Saka himself (via BBC Sport), there simply isn’t a more influential player in this high-flying Arsenal side, which makes him the first name on the team sheet against Eddie Howe’s men.
Much like in the case of Thomas Partey, a part of the reason why Bukayo Saka is undroppable is because Arsenal lack a right-winger capable of filling in the latter’s boots on any given day.
With Eddie Nketiah proving his mettle as a plan B for Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Arteta will continue to bestow his trust on the Hale End graduate.
While Emile Smith-Rowe has shone on the left flank before, why drop the tried-and-tested Gabriel Martinelli against a team like Newcastle?
All in all, Mikel Arteta has no reason to ring in any changes after Arsenal battered Brighton 4-2, which is why our predicted XI features no omissions from the contest on New Year’s Eve.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard, Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
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