Newcastle United have the chance to do the double over Arsenal this weekend, and Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make.
The Toon boss got the better of Mikel Arteta back in November, with the Arsenal manger going ballistic after his side lost 1-0 at St James’ Park.
That was an incredibly intense game, and we should witness the same level of ferocity at the Emirates Stadium.
It will be a real achievement if Howe can get another win over Arteta, and this is the Newcastle team we predict him to pick against Arsenal
Fabian Schar fit to face Arsenal
Newcastle United have been sweating on the fitness of Fabian Schar, after he exited the pitch in a sling last weekend.
But the 32-year-old has been in training this week, and looks like he will be good to go against the Gunners.
The big debate in defence is Dan Burn. Fans are eager for Howe to take him out of the firing line, but whether he does remains to be seen.
The alternatives are going to a back five or bringing in Tino Livramento at left-back, but we expect Howe’s faith in Burn to continue, even if it could lead to disaster.
Joe Willock on the bench for Newcastle
Joe Willock has reportedly been back in training this week after recovering from an Achilles injury. That is a big boost for the Magpies, as the 24-year-old has been a massive miss.
The former Arsenal man has missed a lot of football this season, but could make his comeback against his former employers.
However, it would be a shock to see him in the starting XI. Instead, he will likely be reduced to a cameo in the second half where he can hopefully make a difference like he did the last time we played Arsenal.
Harvey Barnes out, Alexander Isak in
Another player who looks set to return from injury is Alexander Isak. He has missed our previous three games due to a groin problem.
But he should be back at the Emirates, and we predict he will start given Newcastle’s striker issues.
That means that one of the Magpies’ attackers will have to drop to the bench, with Harvey Barnes missing out. The £39million man is well suited to having an impact as a substitute, as he continues to regain his sharpness after a lengthy injury layoff.
Predicted XI vs Arsenal: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
