Newcastle arrive at the Emirates on Monday looking to cause an upset and derail Arsenal’s ambition for a top four slot. In terms of the final two positions in the Premier League, it’s hard to predict how the race for Champions League qualification will go.
The North London club at present are looking quite strong, Spurs have suffered a few surprise results along with Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks but it’s far from certain how it will end.
One slip in one of football’s banana skin matches and it could be a case of missing out by a narrow margin of one to three points, so it’s important that Arsenal bring their ‘A’ game.
The Gunners are said to have the easier run in but Watford, Everton, Wolves and Palace have provided mixed results in the past for the gunners, so focus is key.
Newcastle have plenty of talent in their ranks and could make life incredibly hard in the first 45 minutes but a reasonably early goal could make the difference and Lacazette is the most likely source.
Rafa Benitez has done an incredible job at Newcastle and if there was a vacant castle and available crown in the area, the Spaniard would already be on the accompanying throne. Miracles are often mentioned loosely in conversation but Benitez has performed them constantly since he arrived back in the Premier League.
It’s not been easy, he’s had to wheel and deal in the absence of hard cash and almost beg steal and borrow to fashion a team that can remain in the top flight. His opposite number Unai Emery, has worked tirelessly with a disjointed team that has obvious weakness but he has managed to instil a work rate and desire that has seen them achieve beyond all expectations so far.
He dearly wants and needs Champions league football at any price and the funds that come with it, which will make his summer transfer plans slightly more achievable. The main threat to Arsenal will come from forwards Salomón Rondón and Ayoze Pérez, who are sharp and lively.
Then there’s the midfield pizazz of one time Arsenal target, Miguel Almirón and the quality of Chelsea’s ‘loner’ Kenedy. Let’s not forget the underrated Shelvey, who can offer a decisive and precise pass that can unlock any defence. Mohamed Diamé, is another that, when on form, could easily give the Geordies the advantage.
Benitez can call on the defensive assortment of Lascelles, Lejeune, Schar, Clark and Fernandez and although there have been lapses, they have performed fairly well for periods against dominant opposition.
Arsenal have had injury concerns with Ramsey, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Xhaka and Monreal but it’s thought that they will not prevent their inclusion in the squad. The million dollar question. Is will Suarez start. There was enough to suggest that this encounter will provide the Spaniard with his first full start in the Premier League and I’d happily put him in the middle with Ozil, which mean that Aubameyang sits this one out for at least the first half.
I’ve picked Suarez because there were signs of a connection between him and the World Cup winning German during the fun in the sun friendly against Al-Nasr and I’d be keen to explore that option further. It’s hard to predict a line up for Arsenal because Emery will look at every available option before him to get the best result.
Torriera is unavailable due to suspension for a dubious challenge on Danny Rose during the NLD and will miss this and the Everton game.
Arsenal certainly have enough in the tank to get past Newcastle but they may have to be patient, whilst containing their opponents.
My Preferred line up:- (3,2,4,1) – Leno, Sokratis, Mustafi, Koscielny, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Maitland-Niles, Ozil, Suarez, Kolasinac, Lacazette.
Probable lineup:- (5,3,2) – Leno, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Mustafi, Koscielny, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Ozil, Aubameyang and Lacazette. Predicted scoreline : Arsenal win 3-1
