How Newcastle United could line up against Arsenal

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 13 September 2018

Ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting between Newcastle United and Arsenal, Sports Mole looks at how the Magpies could set out.

Newcastle United welcome Arsenal to St James' Park this weekend, still awaiting their first victory of the Premier League season.

The Magpies entered the international break occupying a spot in the division's bottom three after collecting one point from a possible 12.

Things do not get any easier for Rafael Benitez on Saturday, as his side play host to a Gunners side back in form thanks to two wins on the spin.

Here, Sports Mole looks at the selection decisions Benitez has to make ahead of this third home match of the season.

Possible NEW XI vs. ARS

Out: Florian Lejeune, Javi Manquillo
Doubtful: Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie

Benitez is hopeful that midfield duo Shelvey and Ritchie will be available for selection after being given a fortnight to recover from their injury issues.

Ritchie started Newcastle's first three matches before missing out on the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, while Shelvey - who appears more advanced in his comeback - played a full part against Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City.

Jacob Murphy and Ayoze Perez remain on standby if Ritchie fails to win his fitness battle, while Joselu is an alternative option if Benitez opts to change things around slightly, giving likely targetman Salomon Rondon some support through the middle.

Benitez is expected to retain his five-at-the-back formation, which could be bolstered by summer signing Fabian Schar, likely at the expense of fellow newbie Federico Fernandez.