Eddie Howe will revert back to a full-strength Newcastle United starting XI for this evening’s clash against Premier League title challengers Arsenal (kick-off 5:30pm).
Due to a mix of injuries and fatigue as a result of a busy fixture schedule, Howe made eight changes for the Carabao Cup fourth round tie victory against Manchester United in midweek.
Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Matt Ritchie and Joe Willock made their first starts of the 2023-24 season, while Tino Livramento, Paul Dummett, Lewis Hall and Matt Targett were recalled to the starting line-up for the first time since beating Man City in the previous round at St James’ Park.
Only Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Anthony Gordon retained their places from last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers, although you might as well count Miguel Almiron too, who was forced to come on just four minutes in when Targett departed with a hamstring injury.
Not to be deterred, it was Almiron who opened the scoring. Hall then made it 2-0 before Willock wrapped up only Newcastle’s second win at Old Trafford since 1972 on the hour-mark.
Willock, in particular, is pushing for his first Premier League start of the season having recovered from a hamstring injury. So, will Howe start the midfielder against his former club, or will he stick with the same midfield - including Bruno Guimaraes - that appeared in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Wolves?
Here’s our predicted Newcastle United starting XI v Arsenal:
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2. GK: Nick Pope
Rested in midweek having started every game before that.
3. RB: Kieran Trippier
Tino Livramento starred at Old Trafford but he still has some way to go before displacing Trippier regularly.
4. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
An unused substitute in midweek. Set for an extended spell in the starting XI but Sven Botman’s return unclear.