Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle as Mikel Arteta searches for Porto response – Footymercato.com

Arsenal will be hoping to bounce back to form when they face Newcastle on Saturday afternoon following their shock defeat at the hands of Porto in midweek. The Gunners are unbeaten in the Premier League so far this year, and a victory over the Magpies would be a significant three points in the title race. Express Sport takes a look at how Mikel Arteta’s side could line up…

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Questions have, once again, been raised about Raya after he failed to reach Porto’s late winner on Wednesday night. However, the Spaniard retains the faith of Arteta and the Brentford loanee is likely to be given the chance to make amends at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. Aaron Ramsdale will thus be forced to watch on from the bench and patiently wait for another opportunity.

Defence: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior

With Takehiro Tomiyasu still ruled out through injury and Oleksandr Zinchenko edging closer to a return, Arsenal’s backline appears to pick itself at present. After a slow start to life in the Premier League, Kiwior has stepped up in recent weeks and the Polish international will play a key role in ensuring that his side are not left vulnerable to the pace and aggression of Newcastle’s counter-attacks.

Midfield: Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice

Odegaard and Rice are two of the first names on the team sheet for Arteta, leaving it between Jorginho and Havertz to complete Arsenal’s midfield. The latter may therefore keep his spot in the Gunners’ starting eleven due to the height and strength that he can provide against a physical Newcastle side. Although Jorginho has featured in more competitive games, such as against Liverpool, if Arsenal plan on taking the game to Eddie Howe’s side then the Italy international could be overlooked.