Arsenal will be looking to pick up their seventh win of the Premier League campaign this weekend, as they welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates.
Tied on points, these two sides have had a very mixed bag of results to get themselves into the sixth and seventh positions, meaning the game is even more intense this weekend.
The Gunners will be looking to continue their impressive display against Galatassary in the week, and provide the fans some reassurance following the damning 3-2 defeat to Stoke City last weekend. Newcastle on the other hand are on the up, just one defeat in their last nine games, which includes the overwhelming victory over league leaders Chelsea.
Arsenal will know they’ve got a job on their hands, but with the right changes implemented in defence, let’s hope the boys can grab the three points we really need!
Team News
Aaron Ramsey
It may not have seemed like it, but towards the end of the game in midweek, Rambo took a little knock and has had a troubled hamstring ever since. The Welshman will be checked on Thursday and Friday to confirm he is clear to play and carry on the impressive form he showed against Galatassary. Update: Ramsey is out of the game.Â
Laurent Koscielny
A few weeks ago it all looked to be going so well, after Koscielny returned from a long-term problem with his calf. However, since the game against Southampton the Frenchman has suffered a series of problems in the same area, with the injury playing up. He will definitely be out of the squad.
Nacho Monreal
Still on the sidelines, Monreal is carrying a problem with his foot at the moment. It isn’t the worst news for the Gunners, as Kieran Gibbs will happily slot into the left back role.
Callum Chambers
Chambers received two yellow cards against Stoke City last weekend, meaning he now suffers a one game suspension. The loss of Chambers means Wenger will have problems selecting someone to cover the central defensive position, not good news for a vulnerable Per Mertesacker at the moment.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel is still not ready, after he picked up a problem to his calf a few weeks ago. The Spaniard is looking like the missing link in the Arsenal formation at the moment, so the news that he is back in light training will come as a relief to the fans.
Theo Walcott
Theo will definitely be out for this one, as he struggles to shake off the recurring problem with his groin. It’s been a frustrating season for the winger so far, after he was itching to get back on the pitch following a 9 month absence. Wenger confirmed in his press conference that Walcott is looking good in training, but is just lacking competitive physical involvement, so a few games with the Under 21’s will help.
Predicted Line Up (4-2-3-1)
Wojech Szczesny
Hector Bellerin     Matthieu Debuchy     Per Mertesacker (c)    Kieran Gibbs
Matthieu Flamini     Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alexis Sanchez           Santi Cazorla         Lukas Podolski
   Danny Welbeck