Arsenal have a fair few injury concerns heading into the match and with Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac also absent, the team that manager Unai Emery puts out against Newcastle this afternoon may have an unfamiliar look to it.

Bernd Leno will almost certainly start in goal, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is expected to start at right-back with Hector Bellerin out injured. Nacho Monreal is set to get the nod on the left-hand-side with Kieran Tierney not fit.

David Luiz could be selected alongside Sokratis in central defence, but it remains to be seen if Emery will opt for a back four or a back three. Pre-season does suggest the former so Calum Chambers is likely to miss out.

Dani Ceballos will be available but after just recovering from a knock, he could only be a substitute at St James’ Park, with Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka the favourites to start in the middle of the park.

In Ozil’s absence, Henrikh Mkhitaryan may be called on the play, and it must be said Joe Willock has given himself a chance of being selected to start after a good preseason.

Up front, much may depend on the fitness of both Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe. The latter will probably have to settle for a place on the bench after having not played since the African Cup of Nations.

Arsenal’s Predicted XI To Face Newcastle:

Leno, Maitland-Niles, Luiz, Sokratis, Monreal, Torreira, Xhaka, Willock, Mkhitaryan, Lacazette, Aubameyang