The Gunners will be in search of their first win in five games after a run of four straight draws in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta will have a refreshed and hopefully reenergized squad to choose from against Newcastle after the mid-season break in Dubai.

In goal, Bernd Leno is expected to keep his spot as usual while the full-backs on both flanks are likely to be Hector Bellerin and Bukayo Saka, who is back in the squad after a swift injury recovery.

Since Pablo Mari is still not fit enough to make his debut, the likes of David Luiz and Sokratis are likely to keep their places at the back.

Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira have to be the central midfield duo since their partnership is usually more solid than any other pairings that Emery or Arteta have come up with.

In attacking midfield, Dani Ceballos should make a return with Mesut Ozil, who has contributed very little in recent weeks, dropping out for obvious reasons.

Another underperforming player who should be demoted to the bench is Alexandre Lacazette. Perhaps the Frenchman needs a break to redeem his magic and therefore the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe should make up Arsenal’s attacking trio for the day.

PREDICTED TEAM

Leno

Bellerin – Luiz – Sokratis – Saka

Torreira – Xhaka – Ceballos

Pepe – Aubameyang – Martinelli

 

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