Arsenal is gearing up for an anticipated clash against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday evening, aiming to extend their impressive Premier League winning streak. With five recent victories, including three with five or more goals scored, the Gunners are looking to narrow the gap with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
However, their recent Champions League setback against FC Porto poses a challenge for Mikel Arteta’s squad, who must overcome a narrow 1-0 defeat in the upcoming second leg to advance to the quarter-finals.
On the flip side, Newcastle United enters the match unbeaten in four consecutive league fixtures, currently positioned at eighth with two wins and two draws in their recent outings. A victory in the capital could potentially propel them higher in the league standings.
As both teams prepare for the weekend showdown, lineup strategies are crucial. Let’s delve into the latest team updates and predicted starting XIs for Arsenal and Newcastle United.
**Arsenal’s Team Update:**
Injury concerns for Arsenal are easing, with Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe returning to fitness, albeit on the bench in the recent Porto clash. However, uncertainties persist over the availability of key players.
Defender Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with an ACL injury, but positive progress is reported in his rehabilitation. Doubts also surround Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s fitness, as both are dealing with knocks.
Despite these challenges, there’s optimism within the squad. Gabriel Jesus may make a comeback after a late fitness assessment, and fans eagerly await the return of Thomas Partey, who has been sidelined due to a muscle complaint. Arteta has expressed optimism about Partey’s recovery, hinting at a possible return to action.
Arsenal Predicted XI:
David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior; Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli.
