Newcastle v Arsenal - Preview and possible lineups

Newcastle: Striker Islan Slimani is expected to return to the starting lineup after being ineligible for Newcastle's last game against parent club Leicester City. Other than that Rafa Benitez has a full complement to choose from.

Arsenal: David Ospina (ankle) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (knee) will both miss out but Arsene Wenger will welcome midfielder Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back into the fold after the missed the draw with CSKA Moscow in midweek through illness and ineligibility respectively. Aaron Ramsey could feature despite suffering a deep cut to his leg in that game, whilst Jack Wilshere is also expected to bit fit although to took a kick to his ankle in the Russian capital.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez on Arsenal's Europa League exploits:

“Normally, as a manager of a team travelling, you might say, ‘Yes, my team could be a little bit tired.’ The other manager will say, ‘No.’ I have experienced both – when you play the Champions League and the Europa League and you play two games a week, you have to travel and you have all of these distractions, but at the same time you have a bigger squad.

“(Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang was not travelling so he will be available. Players who can make a difference on their own, they are fine. They are used to that so I do not see a big issue. Maybe someone will say, ‘They will be tired.’ But when you are used to playing two games a week, especially at this level, when you have a good squad, good players and a manager with experience, I don’t think it will be a big advantage for us.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang:

“He’s worked hard. I feel he was not completely ready physically when he joined us but he worked very hard in training.

“He worked a lot technically as well, and has improved his touch. He’s quick now, sharp, intelligent and I think he enjoys being part of the group. You feel that when he plays and that’s why he’s very interesting.

“Also we need some fresh players over the weekend, so he always sure to play!”

Did you know?

Newcastle have lost their last 10 league games against Arsenal.

Form:

Possible lineups:

Newcastle: Dubravka; Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett; Shelvey, Diame; Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy; Slimani.

Arsenal: Cech; Bellerin, Chambers, Mustafi, Kolasinac; Elneny, Xhaka; Ozil, Iwobi, Welbeck; Aubameyang.