MX23RW : Friday, September 21 22:06:19

How Newcastle United could line up against Arsenal

Ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting between Newcastle United and Arsenal, Sports Mole looks at how the Magpies could set out.

Newcastle United welcome Arsenal to St James' Park this weekend, still awaiting their first victory of the Premier League season.

The Magpies entered the international break occupying a spot in the division's bottom three after collecting one point from a possible 12.

Things do not get any easier for Rafael Benitez on Saturday, as his side play host to a Gunners side back in form thanks to two wins on the spin.

Here, Sports Mole looks at the selection decisions Benitez has to make ahead of this third home match of the season.


Possible NEW XI vs. ARS

Out: Florian Lejeune, Javi Manquillo
Doubtful: Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie

Benitez is hopeful that midfield duo Shelvey and Ritchie will be available for selection after being given a fortnight to recover from their injury issues.

Ritchie started Newcastle's first three matches before missing out on the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, while Shelvey - who appears more advanced in his comeback - played a full part against Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City.

Jacob Murphy and Ayoze Perez remain on standby if Ritchie fails to win his fitness battle, while Joselu is an alternative option if Benitez opts to change things around slightly, giving likely targetman Salomon Rondon some support through the middle.

Benitez is expected to retain his five-at-the-back formation, which could be bolstered by summer signing Fabian Schar, likely at the expense of fellow newbie Federico Fernandez.

Share this article now:

Who will win Saturday's Premier League meeting between Newcastle United and Arsenal?

Newcastle United
Draw
Arsenal
Newcastle United
12.2%
Draw
8.2%
Arsenal
79.6%
Rafael Benitez in charge of Newcastle United on May 13, 2018
Read Next:
Benitez denies Shelvey, Lascelles bust-up
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea55001441015
2Liverpool5500112915
3Manchester CityMan City54101431113
4Watford5401105512
5Bournemouth5311107310
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs530210649
7Arsenal530210919
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd53028809
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves52215508
10Everton513189-16
11Leicester CityLeicester520389-16
12Crystal Palace520346-26
13Southampton51226605
14Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton512279-25
15Fulham5113712-54
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham5104511-63
17Cardiff CityCardiff502339-62
18Huddersfield TownHuddersfield5023211-92
19Newcastle UnitedNewcastle501448-41
20Burnley5014310-71

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account