LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno makes a save during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Arsenal host Newcastle in the Premier League this Sunday…
It feels like a lifetime since Arsenal last played in the Premier League but, in all honesty, the fans would rather forget about their disappointing draw to Burnley anyway.
The Gunners were treated to a winter break last weekend, where they trained in sunny Dubai. Consequently, Mikel Arteta will expect a lot from his players given that they are well-rested.
Newcastle are never an easy team to beat, Arsenal of all sides will know this given their history against the Magpies in recent seasons. Although, both teams head into this match on low form and in need of a win, since they both have just one in their last five league games.
With that being said, Arteta is likely to field a strong lineup. He will have plenty of players available to him since no one is serving a suspension and of course, the new players Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari could be in line to receive their debuts.
Without further ado, here is the likely XI Arteta will field…
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
I would put my life savings on this to be the case every week. Bernd Leno will start as long as he is free from injury which seems to be the case, now let’s move on to some more difficult decisions…
Bernd Leno</a> makes a save during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Arsenal host Newcastle in the Premier League this Sunday…</h2>
<p>It feels like a lifetime since Arsenal last played in the Premier League but, in all honesty, the fans would rather forget about their disappointing draw to Burnley anyway.</p>
<p>The Gunners were treated to a winter break last weekend, where they trained in sunny Dubai. Consequently, <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/d934d1e6/Mikel-Arteta?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Mikel Arteta</a> will expect a lot from his players given that they are well-rested.</p>
<p>Newcastle are never an easy team to beat, Arsenal of all sides will know this given their history against the Magpies in recent seasons. Although, both teams head into this match on low form and in need of a win, since they both have just one in their last five league games.</p>
<p>With that being said, Arteta is likely to field a strong lineup. He will have plenty of players available to him since no one is serving a suspension and of course, the new players <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/839c14e1/Cedric-Soares?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Cedric Soares</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/aa54ec6f/Pablo-Mari?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Pablo Mari</a> could be in line to receive their debuts.</p>
<p>Without further ado, here is the likely XI Arteta will field…</p>
<h3>Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno</h3>
<p>I would put my life savings on this to be the case every week. Bernd Leno will start as long as he is free from injury which seems to be the case, now let’s move on to some more difficult decisions…</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Defenders </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/4e9a0555/Chris-Wood?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Chris Wood</a> of Burnley in action with <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/3f2d59fe/Shkodran-Mustafi?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Shkodran Mustafi</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/f874dd44/Hector-Bellerin?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Hector Bellerin</a> of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Arsenal FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2020 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)</p>
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<h3>Right back: Hector Bellerin</h3>
<p>Bellerin is likely to start in this match as he was one of the standout performers in the boring match against Burnley. He pushed forward well but what impressed me the most was his defensive positioning.</p>
<p>Arteta could just as easily opt for Soares in this position but it would be unjust to kick Bellerin out of the starting eleven.</p>
<h3>Centre back: Shkodran Mustafi</h3>
<p>Mustafi has had his moments under Arteta, including that woeful back pass against Chelsea. But overall, he has been a solid defender and he has rarely put a foot wrong. That said, the new manager is building trust in him and I expect him to be rewarded with another start in this match.</p>
<h3>Centre back: <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/c0e27d1a/David-Luiz?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>David Luiz</a></h3>
<p>There’s one thing nobody can deny about Luiz; he is eager to get the ball back. No, literally, he will go through ANY lengths. Although, Arteta will hope that he plays thing safely against Newcastle but I predict he will get the nod alongside Mustafi.</p>
<h3>Left back: <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/bc7dc64d/Bukayo-Saka?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Bukayo Saka</a></h3>
<p>Similarly, Sores could get the nod at left back but I think it would be best to give Saka another start. He isn’t a natural full back but he has certainly done an excellent job in this position, filling in for the injuries to <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/3935e52e/Sead-Kolasinac?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Sead Kolasinac</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/fce2302c/Kieran-Tierney?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Kieran Tierney</a>.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Midfielders </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/2afc7272/Lewis-Cook?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Lewis Cook</a> of Bournemouth tackles <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/a3b03921/Joe-Willock?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Joe Willock</a> of Arsenal during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Midfielder: <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/e61b8aee/Granit-Xhaka?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Granit Xhaka</a></h3>
<p>Xhaka has played here, there and everywhere lately but he will be happy to return to his natural position against Newcastle. At least for the first minute.</p>
<p>Jokes aside, the Swiss international has been one of the best players under Mikel Arteta, both from a leadership and talent point of view. Consequently, he deserves to start in every match while this form is going on. Let’s hope it’s forever.</p>
<h3>Midfielder: <a target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/52611641/Lucas-Torreira?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Lucas Torreira</a></h3>
<p>This seems to be Arteta’s midfield pairing of choice and the two are inseparable. Torreira acts as the more defensive midfielder as he likes to win back possession for his side.</p>
<p>He will be key in the midfield duels against Newcastle and Arsenal fans can rest assured, Torreira will put a shift in.</p>
<h3>Midfielder: Joe Willock</h3>
<p>It’s always a tough decision leaving <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/16380240/Mesut-Ozil?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Mesut Ozil</a> out of the XI, but Willock simply deserves it more and Arteta will know this. He has given Ozil countless opportunities to prove himself and it pains me to say, he simply hasn’t.</p>
<p>Still, this isn’t to take away from Willock’s qualities. He is an exceptional, versatile midfielder that will likely act as the box-to-box option as he looks to dribble the ball forward.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Attackers </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-478778" src=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F04%2F1198215091-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/d5dd5f1f/Pierre-Emerick-Aubameyang?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</a> of Arsenal applauds during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Arsenal FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2020 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Right wing: <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/02/15/arsenal-vs-newcastle-predicted-xi-martinelli-keeps-place-laca/"https://fbref.com/en/players/57e3f0c7/Nicolas-Pepe?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22>Nicolas Pepe</a></h3>
<p>Pepe gets a lot of criticism on social media but Mikel Arteta knows to look past this because if you actually watch him, Pepe is actually a very good player.</p>
<p>He is great on the ball and it’s very rare that he is tackled. Yes, his end product could do with some improvement but even having him on the pitch is enough to improve the atmosphere. He really is that electric.</p>
<h3>Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</h3>
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<p>Aubameyang had a game to forget against Burnley as he made his comeback from suspension. However, he will get another chance to get back to his old scoring tricks against Newcastle and as captain, he owes it to the fans to do so.</p>
<h3>Left wing: Gabriel Martinelli</h3>
<p>Martinelli was Arsenal’s player of the month in January and he will look to continue his good form after the winter break. He has proven to be a goal-scoring machine but his overall play is what’s caught the eye.</p>
<p>He is a speedy player that has flair in abundance and it’s a bonus that he’s a good creator of chances. Overall, he is a joy to watch and I fully expect him to get the start in this match.</p>
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<p>How do you think Mikel Arteta will lineup to face Newcastle?</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">