Arsenal aim to close the gap between Manchester City and Liverpool this weekend when they travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The Gunners have dropped five points from their last two games and could be separated from the Cityzens and the Reds if they fail to beat Newcastle at St James' Park in Saturday's kick-off. It's a game they've lost twice in the last three seasons and such a slip-up this weekend could be fatal to their Premier League title bid.
Mikel Arteta will be tired during several fitness tests ahead of the trip to Tyneside, with Gabriel and Ben White doubtful in the Arsenal defense. However, after being able to rest several key players in midweek in the Carabao Cup fourth-round win over Preston North End, the Spanish manager should be able to field a strong and fresh side.
Arsenal: Predicted line-up against Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
GK: David Raya - Raya was also given a night off in midweek, with youngster Tommy Setford keeping a clean sheet on his Arsenal debut. The Spaniard will be back on Saturday and could be busy against a tough Newcastle attack.
RB: Thomas Partey-White is a doubt after missing the midweek win over Preston and injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, and Kieran Tierney mean Arteta's problems at full-back continue. Partey played against Liverpool at right back and did well with Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.
CB: William Saliba - Saliba's absence was felt at Arsenal last weekend as he conceded a goal from a set-piece and a quick counter-attack. The Frenchman is back from his one-match suspension and will be key to stifling Alexander Isak and co.
CB: Gabriel - The Brazilian is an injury doubt after being withdrawn against Liverpool last weekend, but Arteta said his center-back is "much better than expected". He may start at Newcastle, but Jakub Kiwior will be recruited differently.
LB: Jurrien Timber - Timber was a surprise starter at Preston after also limping off against Liverpool. The versatile defender will again be asked to fill in at left-back.
DM: Declan Rice - An unused substitute at Deepdale, Rice will be fresh for a tough midfield battle against Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton. Arsenal's very consistent player should be up to the challenge.
DM: Mikel Merino - Merino opened his Arsenal account with a header against Liverpool and is set for another outing against Preston in midweek. However, he came off at half-time against the Championship side, which should keep him fresh for Saturday.
RW: Bukayo Saka - Recently named the Premier League Player of the Month for October, Saka will be looking to enjoy an equally devastating November. He has scored three goals and provided seven assists in eight league games this season.
AM: Leandro Trossard - The Belgian has often proved to be a crucial player since his move to north London and Arsenal could use some of his spells at St James' Park. Trossard's campaign so far has been mixed.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli - The turbocharged winger will be eager to beat up-and-comer Tino Livramento this weekend, perhaps exposing the attacking full-back on the counter-attack. He is slowly finding form after a difficult spell at the end of last season.
ST: Kai Havertz - He scored and assisted in Arsenal's 4-1 home win over Newcastle last season and scored again in midweek to take his tally to seven goals for the season. He's certainly keeping Fabian Schar and Dan Burn on their toes with his clever positioning.
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