Gabriel starts, Saliba returns, Nwaneri decision - Arsenal line ups vs Newcastle

Arsenal take on Newcastle United one year after the chaotic defeat at St. James' Park in 2023 which saw an outburst from Mikel Arteta in his post-match interviews. Since then, the Gunners have experienced plenty of controversial decision-making but the hope is Saturday lunchtime’s game will be all about the football.

Arteta needs to get his selection right ahead of the first of three very difficult away games for the Gunners. Thankfully, football.london's Arsenal writers are on hand to give their view on who should start for the Gunners on Wednesday.

Even with the clash against Inter Milan looming on the horizon, Mikel Arteta must go as strong as possible yet with a modicum of concern for the future. A difficult balance but one which is possible in the current state of play.

Ben White should not be risked if indeed there is a concern and thanks to Thomas Partey's excellent performance at right-back against Liverpool, we need not do so. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes can reunite with Jurrien Timber operating at left-back.

This is further made possible by both Declan Rice and Mikel Merino also being in good form as midfield partners. While Leandro Trossard has a whole week off before this one so should be very fresh.

We saw just how good Arsenal are with Bukayo Saka in the team last weekend and therefore it is good to see him ready for the trip to Tyneside. While both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli have scored in recent games to lift their own form too.

Canton's Arsenal XI vs Newcastle: Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

Kaya Kaynak

This is quietly a huge game for Arsenal. If I'm Mikel Arteta I'm picking the strongest line up available.

That starts in defence where I'm taking a risk on the fitness of Ben White at right-back. Thomas Partey did a good job against Liverpool but I prefer him in midfield. I also think Gabriel needs to start, with Jurrien Timber at left-back.

Declan Rice is an obvious start for me alongside Partey in midfield. With Odegaard not back yet, I'm sticking with the 4-4-2.

Bukayo Saka has rhythm in his legs so he starts on the right and I'm going for Gabriel Martinelli on the left. Up front it's then a pairing of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz to grab the goals required to get a crucial three points.

Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Newcastle: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey Rice, Saka, Martinelli; Trossard, Havertz.