Arsenal will attempt to make it two wins out of two on the road in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Newcastle.
http://gty.im/485256826
Kick Off: 12:45 Saturday 29th August (BST)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Last Season: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Team News
Arsenal: Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker remain doubts after they both missed Monday nights game against Liverpool. Tomas Rosicky, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere remain sidelined, everyone else should be fit.
Newcastle: Janmaat is likely to come back in at right back following his suspension, meaning Mbemba will shuffle across to the centre. Moussa Sissoko is likely to return.
Arsenal
Arsenal will need to be at their best to beat Newcastle and the lack of goals so far this season will be a worry. Only one player (Olivier Giroud) has scored in the Premier League for the club so far this season, with the other coming from an own goal.
The talent is there, but Arsene Wenger is yet to find best way to make the most out of their attacking gems. Alexis Sanchez hasn’t clicked into full gear yet, whilst Giroud is not at his best. Chamberlain has not been rewarded with a start since the opening day, as Wenger opts to be more conservative in his midfield selection. Aaron Ramsey is preferred and Newcastle’s poor ball retention of late means that selecting Ramsey again may be a good idea on the right. It gives the Gunners an extra man in midfield to help win and retain the ball.
Arsenal have scored with just 5% of their shots this season, the lowest in the Premier League – they will have to be much more clinical
One to watch: Mesut Ozil
Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis; Walcott
Newcastle
After holding Manchester United to a draw last week, Newcastle will be hoping to go one better on Saturday when they host a shaky Gunners team.
New signing Thauvin impressed in the cup in the week, although it was only against Northampton he managed three assists and a goal – he’ll be a danger but hopefully the inform Monreal can nullify his threat.
Wijnaldum and Mitrovic, also new signings look good and have slotted in well. Mitrovic will be a big danger, especially if both Koscielny and Mertesacker miss out. Wijnaldum is the most creative midfielder Newcastle have, whilst also offering a goal threat. Coquelin will have his hands full.
One to watch: Florian Thauvin
Newcastle XI (4-5-1): Krul; Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Haidara; Thauvin, Sissoko, Anita, Wijnaldum, Obertan; Mitrovic