Arsenal Starting XI vs Newcastle: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal Poised for Crucial Premier League Test Against Newcastle

Havertz and Rice Face Late Fitness Tests

Arsenal’s final home outing of the Premier League season brings Newcastle to the Emirates in a fixture with implications at the top of the table. Arsenal’s final home outing of the Premier League season brings Newcastle to the Emirates in a fixture with implications at the top of the table. The Gunners, hoping to hang on to second in the league, with the Toon in hot pursuit. Kai Havertz, sidelined since February with a hamstring injury, could make his first appearance in three months, with manager Mikel Arteta offering an optimistic update on the German’s condition.

“He has done certain parts of the sessions in the past two days,” said Arteta on Friday. “He looks in great shape, but I think it is more a shout of, first of all the medical staff, the doctors, especially, giving the clearances — and then how Kai actually feels to contribute if he is required.”

Photo: IMAGO

The manager spoke with conviction about Havertz’s physical transformation since his injury, noting improvements across crucial metrics for a forward. “We know how important Kai is for us… you see the transformation on him, which has been really impressive.”

Key Doubts and Confirmed Absences

While Havertz could return, Arsenal’s injury list remains significant. Declan Rice, absent for the trip to Liverpool, is another close call. Jorginho, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard are also under observation after participating in training at the Emirates on Wednesday. Jurrien Timber continues his rehabilitation, and no decision has been made regarding his availability.

There is, however, no hope for Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Jesus, or Takehiro Tomiyasu, all ruled out with respective hamstring and knee issues. Mikel Merino is suspended following his dismissal against Liverpool — a costly absence as the season nears its climax.

Momentum and Motivation in the Title Chase

Second in the Premier League and hunting down top spot, Arsenal remain just two points clear of a resurgent Newcastle side aiming for a strong finish. Arteta’s side know that any slip-up could have consequences. Every pass, every press and every piece of movement must be precise, especially with rivals breathing down their necks.

The predicted lineup shows Arteta leaning into a familiar shape:Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

With such fine margins in the Premier League, this clash could define the Gunners’ campaign. Arsenal supporters will hope their side can produce a performance that matches the stakes.

Newcastle’s Challenge Can’t Be Underestimated

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are no easy opponent. Though inconsistent, they remain a side capable of bruising the big names. The Magpies may be trailing in the table, but with European qualification still on the cards, motivation won’t be lacking.