‘Zinchenko in midfield as Sterling starts’ – Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle
Arsenal will be looking to secure Champions League qualification for next season when they take on Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta‘s side know that victory over the Magpies, who sit just a one position and two points behind them in the table, on Sunday (18 May) will guarantee their return to Europe’s top competition.
The Gunners came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield in their last outing.
However, that came at a cost to a number of players, which may now have an impact on team selection for this clash with Newcastle.
Arsenal missing several key player for Newcastle United clash
With Mikel Merino having been sent off for two yellow cards against Liverpool, he will be forced to sit out this game through suspension.
Meanwhile, Arteta has revealed that the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard – who started at Anfield – and Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are all doubts for this game [Arsenal FC].
The uncertainty around Rice means that with Merino also suspended, Oleksandr Zinchenko may have to step in to a midfield role as he has done in recent weeks, alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard.
| Arsenal last five games | Result |
| Crystal Palace (H) | Drew 2-2 |
| PSG (H) | Lost 1-0 |
| Bournemouth (H) | Lost 2-1 |
| PSG (A) | Lost 2-1 |
| Liverpool (A) | Drew 2-2 |
Kai Havertz has missed several months now through injury for Arsenal, and so while he is back in training, it may be a risk to put him straight in for the start.
If Trossard and Martinelli miss out, that means Raheem Sterling, who has had a difficult spell on loan from Chelsea, and Ethan Nwaneri, may have to join Bukayo Saka in attack.
Mikel Arteta has Southampton insurance
In defence the doubts around Timber and the continuing injury-enforced absence of Gabriel Magalhaes for Arsenal means Arteta may stick with the same defence that started at Liverpool.
The Gunners do at least know that one win from their remaining two games will be enough to secure their qualification for the Champions League.
With bottom side Southampton their opponents on the final day, they will still be confident of getting the three points they need to do that at some point.
Even so, Arsenal will want to make sure of their qualification sooner rather than later, which will make it interesting to see if Arteta chooses to take a risk over some of those who are doubts through injury.