- Arsenal visit Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime
- Gunners have failed to win their last two Premier League matches
- 3-0 win over Preston midweek secured their quarter-final spot in the Carabao Cup
Arsenal are aiming to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool this weekend when they visit Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The Gunners have dropped five points in their last two outings and could be cut adrift from the Cityzens and the Reds should they fail to beat Newcastle at St James' Park in Saturday's early kick-off. It's a fixture they have lost in two of the last three seasons and such a slip-up at the weekend could prove fatal to their Premier League title bid.
Mikel Arteta will be sweating on some late fitness tests ahead of the trip to Tyneside, with the likes of Gabriel and Ben White both doubtful in the Arsenal defence. However, after being able to rest some key players midweek in the Carabao Cup fourth round win over Preston North End, the Spanish coach should be able to field a strong and fresh lineup.
Here is how Arsenal could line up at Newcastle for a crunch clash.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
GK: David Raya - Even Raya was afforded the night off midweek as young Tommy Setford kept a clean sheet on his Arsenal debut. The Spaniard will return on Saturday and may be busy up against a ferocious Newcastle front line.
RB: Thomas Partey - White is a doubt after missing the midweek win over Preston and injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori and Kieran Tierney mean Arteta's full-back woes persist. Partey filled in against Liverpool at right-back and coped well with Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.
CB: William Saliba - Saliba's absence was felt by Arsenal last weekend as they conceded from a set-piece and a swift counter-attack. The Frenchman has returned from his one-game suspension and will be key to stifling Alexander Isak and co.
CB: Gabriel - The Brazilian is an injury doubt after being withdrawn against Liverpool last weekend but Arteta claimed his centre-back is "much better than expected". He could start at Newcastle but Jakub Kiwior will be drafted in otherwise.
LB: Jurrien Timber - Timber was a surprise starter at Preston having also hobbled off against Liverpool. The versatile defender will be asked to fill in at left-back once again.
DM: Declan Rice - An unused substitute at Deepdale, Rice will be fresh for an almighty midfield battle against Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. The uber-consistent Arsenal man is likely to rise to the challenge.
DM: Mikel Merino - Merino opened his Arsenal account with a header against Liverpool and was given another run out against Preston midweek. However, he was withdrawn at half-time against the Championship side, likely to keep him fresh for Saturday.
RW: Bukayo Saka - Recently nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for October, Saka will be eager to enjoy a similarly devastating November. He has three goals and seven assists in eight league outings this term.
AM: Leandro Trossard - The Belgian has often proved a clutch performer since his move to north London and Arsenal could use some of his magic at St James' Park. It's been a hit-and-miss campaign for Trossard to date.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli - The turbo-charged winger will be keen to best the promising Tino Livramento at the weekend, perhaps exposing the attack-minded full-back on the break. He's been quietly finding some form after a difficult spell at the end of last season.
ST: Kai Havertz - Scored and assisted in Arsenal's 4-1 home win over Newcastle last term and bagged again midweek to take his tally to seven for the season. He's certain to keep Fabian Schar and Dan Burn guessing with his intelligent positioning.
