It will be interesting to see what Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta decides to do with his team selection against Newcastle this afternoon.

All the focus will be on next Thursday’s huge clash against Villarreal so a lot of rotation is expected, and there could be opportunities for some youngsters to play.

With regards to team news, the Gunners still have injury doubts over Kieran Tierney (knee) and Alexandre Lacazette (hamstring) with neither expected to be risked at St James’ Park.

Arsenal’s Predicted XI To Face Newcastle:

Ryan, Bellerin, Luiz, Gabriel, Cedric, Elneny, Smith Rowe, Ceballos, Willian, Nketiah, Martinelli

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is hoping to have Matt Ritchie (calf) fit for today’s game but Fabian Schar (knee) is a doubt. Captain Jamaal Lascelles (foot), Karl Darlow (knee), Ryan Fraser (groin) and Isaac Hayden (knee) are all on the treatment table. Joe Willock won’t play against his parent club.

Newcastle’s Predicted XI:

Dubravka, Murphy, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Lewis, Almiron, Shelvey, Longstaff, Wilson, Saint-Maximin

The bookmakers have made the Gunners the favourites with 888 Sport pricing them at 21/20 for the win. A draw is 13/5 with Bet 365 while a victory for the Magpies is 27/10 at Unibet.

Predicted Score – 1-1