Arsenal return to league action Monday night as they welcome Newcastle to the Emirates Stadium. In another must win, with third place potentially up for grabs, Emery's men will need to be on it from the get go to make sure of all three points.
After a prolonged break and even a few days away in Dubai, the Gunners are rejuvenated and relatively fresh. Chasing what would be tenth home win on the spin, Emery has a number of options at his disposal with only Torreira (suspension) and the long term injury absentees unavailable. Granit Xhaka is expected to face a late fitness test but is likely to be passed fit, as are Aaron Ramsey and Dinos Mavropanos. Denis Suarez will be pushing for a start having made a real impression in the Dubai friendly, giving Emery a good selection headache. Of late, it's been a back three and this likely to be the plan once again. Maitland-Niles and Kolasinac in wide areas have learned to become so dangerous and with them there, it allows a more fluid front four that can interchange up the middle of the pitch. The front two of Aubameyang and Lacazette has to start together - the partnership is still developing but even now, Arsenal are a better team with these two alongside each other. With Mesut Ozil back in the selection fold, there really is an abundance of options going forward.
The visitors will be without central defender Fabian Schar who is suspended whilst academy product Sean Longstaff remains out through injury. Skipper Jamaal Lascelles returns after missing the Magpies' last fixture against Bournemouth. Rafa Benitez will have his men well organised and tough to beat but down the other end, they really struggle to score. Arsenal will need to be well aware of big Rondon upfront but there is little link up through midfield especially if there's a back five in defence. However, previous Arsenal transfer target Miguel Almiron has looked quite the player and already is leaving his mark on Newcastle's midfield. He's a dangerous customer that Arsenal need to keep an eye on...if they let him play, he will certainly do some damage. With no Torreira in midfield, someone needs to pick him up, stay on him and ensure he is handled. Newcastle play a fair amount through him already so keep him quiet and that should be that.
All three points are an absolute must and with so many options available, players should be chomping at the bit to play. Maturity, attacking football and defensive disciple will get the job done.
Expected lineup:
GK: Bernd Leno
CB: Sokratis
CB: Laurent Koscielny
CB: Nacho Monreal
RWB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
CM: Aaron Ramsey
CM: Granit Xhaka
LWB: Sead Kolasinac
CAM: Mesut Ozil
ST: Alex Lacazette
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Prediction: 2-0 with Aubameyang on the score sheet again.
@craigbennett10
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