Following the Gunners’ 3-0 defeat to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday before Spurs followed that up with a 1-0 victory over Burnley, Mikel Arteta’s side have slipped out of the top four.
Simply, Arsenal have to win at St James’ Park to keep Champions League qualification in their own hands when they host Everton on the final day of the campaign.
Arteta’s men head to Tyneside hit by suspension and injuries. Rob Holding was sent off against Spurs, while Gabriel limped off during the final quarter of an hour.
And with Ben White not risked from the bench due to an ongoing hamstring problem, Arsenal ended their North London derby defeat with no recognised central defenders on the pitch.
Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta said: “We will know probably more tomorrow (Sunday), so we wanted to extend this period as much as possible to understand how they are recovering, how they are feeling, assess them and tomorrow probably we will know more about how they are.
“I could )give you an estimate), but I will probably be telling you whatever.
“Tomorrow will be the day we will have better answers, probably not the answers that we want until matchday (Monday), but hopefully better answers.”
Here’s how Arsenal are expected to line up against Newcastle, courtesy of our sister title LondonWorld.
5. Martin Odegaard
The stand-in skipper moves back to a deeper midfield role, with other midfielders filling in in the backline. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
6. Mohamed Elneny
The Egyptian retains his place at the base of the midfield. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
7. Nuno Tavares
The young left back comes into the starting XI, with injuries hitting the team. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
8. Granit Xhaka
The Swiss midfielder moves into central defence with injuries to Gabriel and Ben White. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) | Arsenal FC via Getty Images