Team news and three changes for the trip to Newcastle
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has named a refreshed side for the Premier League clash with Newcastle United at St James’ Park. The Gunners make three alterations from the team that fought to a draw with Manchester City last weekend, as they look to bounce back with a strong performance on the road.
In a notable reshuffle, Bukayo Saka returns to the starting XI in place of the injured Noni Madueke. Saka’s presence on the flank adds pace and creativity to Arsenal’s attack, a key factor as they face a Newcastle side eager to impress at home.
Defence sees Cristhian Mosquera come in for William Saliba, who drops to the bench. The switch tightens the aerial presence at the back and provides Arteta with fresh options in central areas.
Midfield also undergoes a change, with Ebere Eze handed a starting berth in place of former Newcastle man Mikel Merino. Eze’s movement and ability to link play could provide a different dimension in the middle of the park, giving Arsenal additional creativity as they push for a decisive result.
Meanwhile, skipper Martin Odegaard is named on the bench as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury, with Arsenal opting for a cautious approach to manage his return.
Starting XI and substitutes confirmed
Line-up: Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Norgaard, Merino, Odegaard, Dowman, Martinelli.
The selections show a balance of experience and new options as Arteta looks to deliver a strong performance away from home. Raya occupies the goal, with a back four including Timber and Calafiori and a central pairing featuring Mosquera alongside Gabriel. The midfield is anchored by Zubimendi and Rice, while Eze and Saka support a forward line that also includes Trossard and Gyokeres. The presence of a versatile attacking trio provides Arsenal with multiple patterns of play to exploit Newcastle’s defence.
Arteta’s bench carries a mix of returning squad members and fresh options, including Odegaard, Saliba and Merino, offering multiple tactical choices should the game require a change in tempo or approach. The manager’s decision to reinstate several players who featured prominently in midweek frames the match as a test of form and depth.
What these changes mean for the game
Three changes signal a deliberate approach from Arteta. Saka’s return brings directness and precision on the right flank, particularly useful when breaking in behind Newcastle’s full-backs. Mosquera’s inclusion in central defence aims to strengthen resilience and distribution from the back, crucial against a pressing Newcastle side. Eze’s start introduces another creative driver who can unlock their defence with clever runs and quick combinations.
Odegaard’s absence from the starting XI lends weight to a broader squad rotation strategy, with the captain stepping back to ease back into action should he be needed after his shoulder recovery. For Newcastle, the home fans at St James’ Park will hope their attackers can exploit any relative inexperience in the Arsenal setup, while Arsenal will be aiming to impose control through midfield and exploit fast transitions up front.
Key players to watch
Watch Saka for his pace and decision-making on the right, Mosquera for his composure at the back, and Eze for his ability to thread passes and create chances in tight spaces. The trio’s performance could shape how Arteta navigates rest periods for Odegaard and how aggressively Arsenal press from the outset.
