The first international break of the new season is finally over and for the first time Arsenal saw a change at London Colney. Mesut Ozil remained in training for the duration of the fortnight, not leaving to play for his country - potentially vital for him in strengthening his position in Emery's new look Arsenal. He can only get fitter and more sharp in staying in full club training...and with no jet lag and no rest required, he should be raring to go at St James' Park come tomorrow afternoon.
Lacazette also remained in training all week as did many other first teamers; only benefiting Arsenal more than anyone. With Torreira coming off for Uruguay, there were initially worries over his fitness but any concerns were put to rest when he returned to London and hit first team training hard. With no new injuries to consider, and only confidence brewing, Emery has plenty to choose from to tackle the Magpies. It is expected that Emery will start Lucas Torreira for the first time, in place or either Guendouzi or Xhaka, with all others remaining unchanged. But in learning more about the new manager as time goes on, I don't foresee him giving us the expected - he likes a surprise or two. Even keeping fans away from their shouts - giving LT11 a first start! However, the defence (and goalie) need to shape up as an absolute minimum if the team are going to progress and improve.Three-two away at Cardiff is hardly anything to be proud of.
The defending will only improve with time and minutes, granted, but some organisation and communication wouldn't go amiss. Monreal has probably been the standout among keeper and back four over recent weeks but ultimately all should be under pressure once the defensive injuries ease. However, pressure breeds performance with others breathing down your neck so expect all to step up in a bid to remain starters - as for once, we now have like-for-like level options. Mustafi certainly needs to step up and show he's worth even half of the whopping fee the Gunners paid two Summers ago. He's not been great and really only looks anywhere near at home when playing alongside skipper Koscielny who ironically has the pace that Sokratis doesn't.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are struggling. Benitez manages what he has well but what he has at his disposal isn't overly great. A couple of average Premier League signings solidified their squad but added very little in terms of quality. Goal scoring is also a problem. However, Saloman Rondon often digs deep against Arsenal and causes a few physical issues for the back line, and tomorrow I anticipate more of the same. Mustafi has shown weakness against physicality whilst Sokratis has issues with anyone of a pace over OAP level so Newcastle certainly have avenues to pursue. Shelvey's ball playing capabilities are pivotal to any joy or success for Benitez' men and as long as Arsenal get near him and stifle his play, it should be a comfortable afternoon. They do have a more solid defensive unit this season than they have had in recent years, and often deploy a back five in an attempt to start strong and keep it tight. There could be more of the same tomorrow afternoon.
However, whatever problems Newcastle cause, Arsenal have more than enough going forward. The likes of Aubameyang and Lacazette will both be looking to add to their first goals from last time out, whilst Ozil and Ramsey always have an eye for a goal and will be looking to kick start their tallies this season. Arsenal are coming into some good form and are expected to continue this run taking all three points in the Northeast, with Emery's men building from the back and crafting chances through a dynamic and creative midfield.
Expected lineup:
GK: Petr Cech
RB: Hector Bellerin
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
CB: Sokratis
LB: Nacho Monreal
CDM: Lucas Torreira
CM: Matteo Guendouzi
CM: Aaron Ramsey
RW: Mesut Ozil
ST: Alex Lacazette
LW: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang
Prediction: 3-1; Newcastle to score first with Arsenal replying through Ramsey and Lacazette, with Welbeck to come on and score a third.
@craigbennett10
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