Eze and Odegaard dilemma, Saka call - The Arsenal line-up Mikel Arteta should pick vs Newcastle

Arsenal have lost their last three games at St James' Park against Newcastle, with Mikel Arteta's side failing to score in those games as well.

The Gunners have not come away with something since May 2023 and Arteta will want to change that come Sunday. "I think it's one of the best football atmospheres in this country," Arteta said ahead of the game.

"I think when you as a player, as a fan, as a coach, you want to live in this atmosphere, they play every single ball with you, it's electric, there's so much support out there and it's one team, one city, I think that makes it that different as well and to play as an opposition as well is such a challenge and opportunity at the same time so a great atmosphere."

With Liverpool playing Crystal Palace on Saturday, Arsenal could be eight points off the leaders come Sunday afternoon. The Gunners really do need a result to keep pace with Arne Slot's side and that makes Arteta's team selection all the more important. But how will the Spaniard line his side up? football.london's writers reveal what team they would pick if they were in the Arsenal boss' shoes.

Tom Canton

Mikel Arteta needs to get a result in this game and the availability of Martin Odegaard is going to be key. If the skipper isn’t ready to start, it is almost certain Mikel Merino will again enter the middle third.

The rest of the side remains relatively unchanged from the draw with Manchester City but Eberechi Eze moves to the left replacing Leandro Trossard. This is a different Newcastle side from the ones faced in previous seasons but they are still a threat.

The back four being at full-strength is also going to be very important for the side while Bukayo Saka's first Premier League start since his injury against Leeds United is another boost for the Gunners.

Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Newcastle – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze

Sam Truelove

Arsenal will want to be defensively solid away at Newcastle so that means I can't see Mikel Arteta making many changes to his backline. The likes of Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly were given game time in midweek but I imagine the duo will be straight out the team this weekend.

The midfield three may hinge on the fitness of Martin Odegaard. I don't actually think Arteta needs to rush his captain back and I would start Eberechi Eze slightly ahead of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

That means Gabriel Martinelli is my pick for the left winger spot. The Brazilian has made a decent impact off the bench in recent weeks and probably deserves a start, with Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres making up the frontline.

Truelove's Arsenal XI vs Newcastle - Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

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