Ben White will hope to return for Arsenal's trip to Newcastle(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

White returns, Nwaneri decision and Arteta revenge – Six Arsenal changes for Newcastle test

01 Nov 2024, 07:00 by Tom Canton · football.london

Arsenal got back to winning ways in midweek with their win over Preston North End. However, the attention turns quickly to the weekend as Mikel Arteta’s side now has the intention of avenging their controversial defeat on Tyneside last season.

Newcastle were the first side to beat Arsenal in the last campaign and did so thanks to a goal which Mikel Arteta took umbrage with post-match. The ball looked to go out of play in the build-up, but no camera angle could determine whether that was the case and then Joelinton appeared to foul Gabriel Magalhaes in the box.

Arsenal were punished last weekend by Anthony Taylor in the build-up to a late Gabriel Jesus goal that would have won the game against Liverpool. Jakub Kiwior was punished for what looked an even tamer collision with Dominik Szoboszlai.

In the game, Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a knee problem and it remains to be seen whether Arteta will be able to call on the Brazilian for the trip. With that and other squad issues in mind, football.london takes a look at the changes that can be made for the game.

After Tommy Setford’s debut in midweek, David Raya will of course come back into the starting XI to face Newcastle, looking to keep a clean sheet in the league for the first time since September 15 in the 1-0 win at Tottenham. Nine goals have been conceded since then in five games as the Gunners' defensive record has taken a hit.

In the back line, William Saliba shifts across to Gabriel's left centre-half role to partner Ben White in the middle of defence. Thomas Partey was very impressive at right-back against Liverpool and therefore also comes into the team.

Jurrien Timber, though, was perhaps the most impressive member of the defensive unit, helping to keep Mohamed Salah at bay. It was only when he and Gabriel left the field those fragilities began to show.

Declan Rice has looked back to his best self, playing in the deepest midfield role. While Partey has been very good, having Rice in the No.6 position saw him pick up plenty of Man of the Match awards last season, which needs to be repeated.

Mikel Merino plays as the left No.8, hoping to add more goals after his headed finish last weekend. Like Rice, Leandro Trossard got a complete rest at Preston, and will come into the team despite Ethan Nwaneri’s performance; but the teenager is certainly knocking on the door.

Bukayo Saka brought life to Arsenal's performance against Liverpool and showed fans what had been so badly missing. He will partner Gabriel Martinelli, who also is looking very sharp again, as Kai Havertz got back to scoring ways in the cup and will be looking to return to the ground where his Arsenal career arguably kickstarted despite narrowly avoiding a red card.

Changes Arsenal XI vs Newcastle United: Raya; Partey, White, Saliba, Timber; Rice, Merino, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

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