Arsenal make three changes ahead of Newcastle clash
Mikel Arteta shakes up his side for the trip to St James’ Park, reverting to a mix of fresh faces and familiar starters after last weekend’s draw with Manchester City. Three changes are introduced as Arsenal look to build on their recent form against a tough Newcastle United side. Bukayo Saka returns to the starting lineup in place of the injured Noni Madueke, while Cristhian Mosquera slots in for William Saliba, who moves to the bench. Ebere Eze is handed a start in place of Mikel Merino, giving Arsenal a brighter creative option in midfield and attack. Skipper Martin Ødegaard begins on the bench again as he continues to recover from a shoulder issue.
Confirmed starting XI and match context
The trio who started the Carabao Cup win at Port Vale midweek are the only players to keep their places in this squad, underscoring Arteta’s balance between rotation and reliability. The line-up for the trip to Tyneside reads:
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Norgaard, Merino, Odegaard, Dowman, Martinelli.
In goal, the ever‑reliable Raya is backed by a back four that features Timber and Calafiori with Mosquera and Gabriel in the middle. Midfield duties are split between Zubimendi and Rice, with Eze operating just behind a fluid front three consisting of Saka, Trossard and Gyokeres. It’s a setup that suggests Arteta wants to press high, while leveraging Eze’s vision and Saka’s pace to stretch Newcastle’s defensive lines.
Tactical implications and what this means for Arteta
Arteta’s decision to reinstate most players who featured against City, while banking on bold fresh legs, signals two aims. First, to maintain control of the game with a strong spine and midfield balance. Second, to inject creativity and pace in attacking transitions through Eze and Saka. The defensive reshuffle—Mosquera stepping in for Saliba—points to a desire for compactness at centre-back, with Gabriel providing experience and leadership alongside the younger defender. This combination could push Newcastle to chase the ball and expose gaps in behind when Arsenal win possession high up the pitch.
Key match-ups to watch
- Saka’s wide threat against Newcastle’s full-backs, particularly in exploiting the space down the flank and delivering into the box for Gyokeres.
- Eze’s playmaking role versus the Magpies’ midfield transition, aiming to unlock lines with vision and incisive balls.
- Mosquera’s partnership with Gabriel in central defence and how they cope with Newcastle’s physical forward line.
What this game means for Arsenal’s season trajectory
Going to St James’ Park, Arsenal will be keen to build momentum after a midweek cup win, while showing they can rotate effectively without compromising performance. A positive result would reinforce Arteta’s growing squad depth and give the attackers confidence that they can perform with different personnel around them. For Newcastle, it’s an opportunity to test their own consistency against a side that has shown they can adapt game by game, with Saka and Eze offering a real threat on the break. The stakes are high in the Premier League, and this match could be a telling indicator of both teams’ trajectories for the rest of the season.
