Newcastle United defeated Arsenal 1-0 at St James’ Park during a feisty encounter in November. A solitary Anthony Gordon goal was enough for all three points on that occasion and Eddie Howe’s side are looking to complete just their second ever Premier League double over Arsenal this weekend.
Their draw against Bournemouth at the weekend didn’t result in any fresh injury concerns for Howe, barring a potential wrist injury for Fabian Schar - and Howe may be able to call on a couple of fresh faces this weekend. But will he stick with his tried and tested formula, or will their recent defensive fragilities see Howe opt for a switch in formation when his side take on Mikel Arteta’s Gunners? Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for his side’s trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium:
9. Miguel Almiron
Harvey Barnes started a match for the first time since September last weekend but the club will want to carefully manage his workload in the next few weeks, meaning Almiron could be asked to start at the Emirates Stadium. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Anthony Gordon
Gordon added yet another goal to his impressive haul this season and has a very good record against the so-called ‘top six’ teams this season. He netted the winner at St James’ Park in this fixture back in November. | Getty Images
11. Alexander Isak
Isak was ‘very close’ to making the squad against Bournemouth last time out and Howe will be hopeful of having the Swedish international at his disposal this weekend. | AFP via Getty Images
