Arsenal’s predicted lineup against Newcastle United: Four key absences dictate a reshuffled XI
Arsenal look set to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation against Newcastle United, with David Raya starting between the sticks. The back four should feature Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Piero Hincapié, while Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice protect the middle of the pitch. Just ahead of them, Noni Madueke, Martin Ødegaard, and Eberechi Eze will likely support Kai Havertz as the focal point up top.
Mikel Arteta has been forced into these changes due to a brutal injury list, with Jurriën Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, and Bukayo Saka all sidelined, a set of absences that will dictate exactly how the Gunners approach this one from the first whistle.
Saliba and Gabriel will remain the bedrock of the defence and are easily the most consistent names in the side right now. With Timber out, Mosquera will fill in at right-back, offering a level of composure in a role that requires a mix of defensive grit and overlapping runs.
On the opposite side, Hincapié should step in for Calafiori; the Ecuadorian will be eager to get forward whenever Rice and Zubimendi are sitting deep to cover. That double pivot is going to be vital for Arsenal to negate Newcastle’s pace on the break, as the Magpies are clinical whenever they find gaps in the centre of the park.
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Martin Ødegaard will be vital for the Gunners
In the attacking third, Ødegaard will return to his usual number 10 role to dictate the tempo, while Madueke provides the width on the right to keep Newcastle‘s defenders stretched. Eze, playing off the left, will offer that bit of unpredictability and directness that should keep the visitors’ backline on high alert.
Zubimendi should get the nod mainly because Merino’s injury left a hole in the squad, but the Spaniard is more than capable, moving the ball quickly and reading the game with an intelligence few midfielders in the league can match.
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Havertz will lead the attack, focusing on smart link-up play and tireless pressing rather than just trying to outmuscle defenders. Expect Arsenal to lean heavily on quick passing combinations, patiently moving the ball until a gap opens up. Even with the current injury crisis, there is more than enough talent in this XI for Arsenal to dictate the game and walk away with all three points at the Emirates.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): David Raya – Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapié – Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice – Noni Madueke, Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze – Kai Havertz.
