Arsenal will aim to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League this weekend, as they welcome a struggling Newcastle United side to the Emirates.
Steve McClaren’s men are still trying to recover from their festive period hangover, as they remain in the relegation zone at the half way spell of the campaign.
The Gunners on the other hand have had the party poppers out as they welcome in the New Year, having picked up a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bournemouth last weekend.
Arsene Wenger has yet again put his side through their paces this week, and following a fixture pile up is likely to rotate the team selection once more.
As usual, the managers gave the latest news and views ahead of Saturday afternoons clash, including updates on how some of the injured players are getting on.
Team News
Arsenal
After picking up a slight knock ahead of the Bournemouth game, it looks as if Mathieu Flamini will be back in contention but Wenger won’t want to risk the Frenchman, especially after Callum Chambers flourished in his position last weekend.
There was also an update on Alexis Sanchez, who is now targeting a return for next weeks FA Cup clash against Sunderland.
Mikel Arteta also provided some good news for the fans, after the boss revealed the midfielder is back in full training, yet short of competitive match fitness.
After suffering setbacks, Gunners duo Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere are now facing at least another month on the sidelines and should return to training in February.
Long term absentee Thomas Rosicky is now three weeks away from full training, whilst Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin are also missing.
Newcastle
Just like the Gunners, the injury list at Newcastle is getting quite lengthy, and they could be facing a real problem in goal for Saturday’s game.
Following Tim Krul’s season-long injury, second choice goalkeeper Rob Elliot is now battling to get back to full fitness after suffering a serious stomach illness.
Influential midfielder Vernon Anita remains on the sidelines after picking up a nasty hamstring injury, whilst promising youngster, Rolando Aarons, will also miss out.
Key defender Steven Taylor joins Emmanuel Riviere on the injury list, so it looks like Steve McClaren has his work cut out in terms of finding options.
Predicted Line-Ups
Arsenal
Arsenal are likely to come in with a few changes from the Bournemouth victory, and Arsene Wenger is finally starting to see some positive rotation in his squad.
With the suspected departure of David Ospina on the cards, Petr Cech will continue his run in goal after picking up the record 170th clean sheet last week.
At the back, you can bet the consistent pairing of Koscielny and Mertesacker will link up again after the French defender had a well deserved rest in place of Gabriel.
Nacho Monreal was also given a breather and he’ll most likely slot back in for Kieran Gibbs in the left full-back position.
Callum Chambers looked comfortable in central defensive midfield against Bournemouth and his performance should be rewarded with another stint this weekend.
Ramsey completes the duo at holding midfield and then we’ll see a familiar front three, where Joel Campbell will get a chance to work for his place ahead of Alexis’ return.
Theo Walcott may get a rest for this one but the winger has looked good in recent games and his speed compliments the threat of lone striker Olivier Giroud.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Chambers, Ramsey, Walcott, Ozil, Campbell, Giroud
Newcastle
Providing Rob Elliot shakes off this stomach bug he will be the man between the sticks, but McClaren may be forced to use third choice Karl Darlow.
A similar backline for recent games is all that the Newcaslte boss can really go with, and veteran Fabricio Coloccini will lead the defence yet again.
Paddy Dummett has hand an impressive season so far and it’ll be his job to stop any threat coming through the right hand side of the wings, a daunting task for the youngster.
Versatile pairing of Cheik Tiote and Jack Colback will sit in deep midfield and will no doubt be incredibly busy as they look to shut out the stunning form of Mesut Ozil.
In more of an attacking sense, Newcastle have pace and flair in the front three with Ayoze Perez causing trouble centrally. This is a trio that like to swap in and out of their positions so the Gunners will have a tough ask of keeping out this threat.
Leading the line up top is Alexsandar Mitrovic, and despite his consistency to find his name in the referee’s book has looked a dangerous player in recent games.
Newcastle (4-2-3-1) Elliot, Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Dummett, Tiote, Colback, Wijinaldum, Perez, Sissoko, Mitrovic
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