Coming on the back of a convincing win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, Newcastle United would now face Arsenal in the Premier League. While certainly, the Magpies club had a massive morale boost with their recent win over the Blues, it would certainly take much doing for them to defeat the Gunners, breaking their winless 5-game streak in PL. Considering the form Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side has been in, they clearly enter the fixture as the favorites; however, Newcastle, being backed by an amazing home record, isn't out of the fixture completely.
Newcastle United, currently at 12 points from the nine matchdays, currently occupy the 12th position, but they would want to rise above that, getting maximum points against Arsenal. On that note, let's take a look at the probable lineup Eddie Howe might use to outplay Arteta's Arsenal:
Defense
Starting with the position of keeping, seasoned star Nick Pope starts as the undisputed starter for Eddie Howe's XI. Given the performances, the English ace has been delivering has been key in their campaign so far, playing a crucial role between the sticks. Coming to the full-backs, the duo of Livramento and Lewis Hall could start for the Magpies club.
Definitely, Hall, having emerged as one of the best youngsters for the club, finds his place in the XI alongside Livramento, who currently does not have significant competition for his role. Then comes the veteran duo of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at the heart of the defense line. Although it would take much for Howe to bench Kelly after his solid show against Chelsea, chances are that the manager would back Burn once again in his XI, relying on his physical levels.
Midfield
Coming to the midfield, where a crucial change could be expected ahead of the important matchday against Arsenal. While Captain Bruno Guimaraes and midfield ace Sandro Tonali remain in Howe's PL plans, the manager might want to make an exciting change based on their recent Carabao Cup fixture. Being impressed by academy graduate Longstaff's performance, Howe might start him at St. James Park.
Bringing in Sean Longstaff in the midfield would not only give Newcastle the much-needed freedom, but his excellent start record could be a morale booster for the side. Moreover, his going to the central midfield frees up versatile star Joelinton, who could participate much in the forward play in the wing role, in which he flourished against Chelsea.
Attack
Finally coming to the attack force, where the midfield change could bring a crucial new addition to the frontline. So far this season, Joelinton has been utilized in the midfield by Howe, but his recent outing in the EFL Cup has shown promise of him contributing much better being present on the left wing. Thus, a brave decision by manager Howe could see him start alongside Gordon and Isak on the forward line.
Although Gordon's form has been a subject of concern, expectations would be for him to pickup his best level soon, the way star forward Isak had done. Having already scored twice since his injury return, high hopes would be from the Swedish ace to bag key goals in front of their home crowd.