Newcastle United double injury doubt as £45m star drops out - predicted starting XI v Arsenal

Newcastle United can take another huge step towards sealing Champions League qualification with three points against Arsenal this afternoon (kick-off 4:30pm).

Following a run of eight wins in nine matches, the Magpies currently sit third in the Premier League table and require nine points from their remaining five games to mathematically guarantee a top-four finish.

The Gunners, meanwhile, arrive at St James’ Park in a similar scenario to last season. In May last year, United ended Mikel Arteta’s side’s Champions League hopes. This time, Eddie Howe’s men can crush their title dream.

Heading into the game, Howe is set to make late calls on Sean Longstaff and Allan Saint-Maximin’s fitness.

Longstaff missed last weekend’s 3-1 win over Southampton due to a foot injury, while Saint-Maximin has played since April 5 because of a hamstring injury.

“Sean is OK, he’s improved,” said Howe. “He hasn’t trained yet. We’re hoping today or tomorrow he will so we’ll wait and see.”

On Saint-Maximin, Howe added: “Allan trained yesterday [Thursday]. It was great to see him back on the grass, he trained very well too. Really pleased with that.”

Howe also has a selection headache in attack in the form of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak. Wilson netted eight goals in April, despite starting just twice. Isak also netted four in five games.

Here’s the Newcastle United starting XI we’re predicting Howe to name.

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