Arsenal Predicted Line Up

Arsenal predicted XI for Newcastle clash: Changes all round as Gunners rotate tired squad Arsenal travel to St James’ Park this weekend to face Newcastle in a clash that could have serious repercussions at the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners head to the North East straight after their Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of AS Monaco, and Arsene Wenger may be forced to make a few changes to counter potentially tired legs following a few tough weeks of fixtures. See how we think the Frenchman will line up his side below: David Ospina GK: David Ospina Hardly had anything to do in the midweek game, and Arsene Wenger doesn’t look like he’ll be re-calling Wojciech Szczesny any time soon. RB: Calum Chambers Bellerin ran his heart out on the right-wing against Monaco and will surely deserve a rest given his incredible exploits that saw him struggling towards the end of the 90 minutes. CB: Gabriel The Brazilian could make just his second start in the Premier League for Arsenal against the Magpies after recovering from a hamstring issue. CB: Laurent Koscielny Looks to have put his early season injury concerns behind him, and is back to his best as one of the Premier League’s most reliable and commanding defenders. LB: Kieran Gibbs Nacho Monreal and Gibbs’ weekly competition for the starting role looks set to be awarded the Englishman’s way (in this fixtures at least), given Monreal’s exertions over the past few weeks against the likes of Man United, West Ham, and Monaco. CM: Francis Coquelin CM: Aaron Ramsey Santi Cazorla will likely start on the bench after putting everything into his performance in the Champions League to try and force an Arsenal win. Ramsey was only on-field for less than 30 minutes in the principality on Tuesday, and will be raring to make up for lost time after suffering a number of injuries this season. Two goals in two games is a pleasing record he’ll be looking to continue. LW: Danny Welbeck Was so impressive and imposing in midweek, and was frightfully unlucky not to get a goal for his troubles. Should be fresh enough to start in Newcastle after coming off in the second half on Tuesday. RW: Theo Walcott It would be a lie to say he was impressive when he came on against Monaco – despite hitting the post with a shot which rebounded and was dispatched by Aaron Ramsey – he mainly just stood around in spaces where he couldn’t be found by his Arsenal teammates instead of effectively stretching the play. But he’ll likely start on Saturday given Alexis Sanchez is clearly desperate for a rest. CAM: Tomas Rosicky Back from illness and likely to start given the incredible performance of Mesut Özil in the Champions League that will likely have caused a few sore muscles on Wednesday morning. Arsenal might struggle for the same creativity and ball retention without the German, but will have to deal with his absence if they want to avoid another long- term injury.