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After going on a run of three consecutive victories in the Premier League, Arsenal were brought back to reality somewhat with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace last Thursday.
Mikel Arteta’s side huffed and puffed but couldn’t break the door down against a resolute Eagles defence, mustering just four shots on target over the course of the 90 minutes.
The Gunners face Newcastle on Monday night looking to get back to winning ways, with the north Londoners having just tasted success against Steve Bruce’s men following their FA Cup third round triumph a week prior.
Should Partey start against Newcastle?
Yes!
No!
Arteta may be inclined to make some changes to freshen up his team, and with that in mind, below is a look at how Arsenal might line up for the visit of the Magpies.
In goal, Bernd Leno added to his growing reputation as Arsenal’s undisputed number one with a couple of superb stops, including one flying save to deny a Christian Benteke header finding the top corner.
Despite keeping a clean sheet, Arteta may wish to add a bit more impetus to his defence, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ hugely disappointing display at left-back seeing the £16.2m-rated ace drop out. Whilst the Gunners boss may be reluctant to do so given how he has performed further forward, Bukayo Saka may fill in there, with no risk taken on Kieran Tierney.
Midfield could finally see Thomas Partey make his first start since going off injured a couple of months ago, and he could be joined by Granit Xhaka, who was outstanding against Palace.
And behind Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe could be set for a recall to the right-hand side if Saka does move to left-back, with Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining him in attack.
Predicted XI: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Luiz, Saka; Partey, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette.
Meanwhile, Arsenal must make a ruthless call on this liability…
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