As expected, Eddie Howe has made wholesale changes to his Newcastle side that beat Manchester United 3-0 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night - reverting back to the starting line-up that played in the previous Premier League match at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Fabian Schar returns to the starting line-up after missing the match at Old Trafford due to illness while Nick Pope comes back into the side for Martin Dubravka.
There was also a surprise return to the bench for Jacob Murphy following a dislocated shoulder. Howe claimed in his pre-match press conference that the club were still waiting to make a decision on whether the winger requires surgery.
Lewis Miley was also back involved following illness while the likes of Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Elliot Anderson and Harvey Barnes remain sidelined.
Newcastle United’s confirmed starting line-up and bench...
1. GK: Nick Pope
Pope was rested for the win at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. He has kept four clean sheets in the league this season with no goalkeeper registering more shutouts so far this campaign.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Although Tino Livramento shone in midweek, Trippier will likely be returned to the starting XI for the visit of Arsenal.
3. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Whilst Lascelles missed the win at Old Trafford, he has been very solid when required in recent times. He will have to be at his best to repel Eddie Nketiah who netted a hat-trick against Sheffield United last weekend.
4. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar has been a key cog in Howe’s team this season and will be heavily relied on once again this weekend.