Newcastle United travel to Arsenal once again just nine days since they met at the Emirates in the FA Cup third round and Steve Bruce will hope his side can restrict the Gunners as they did in the 90 minutes of that cup tie.
Bruce is desperately in need of geting a positive result to try and turn things around and relieve some of the pressure which has been growing on him over the last few weeks following a dismal run of form in the Premier League.
Newcastle are winless in their last eight matches in all competitions and have scored just once in their last six games (Transfermarkt). That run leaves them vulnerable to dropping right into the thick of the relegation battle if it is allowed to be continued over the next few weeks.
Bruce’s side are facing the daunting task of a trip to Arsenal which has been a very challenging game for them in recent years, Newcastle have suffered 14 defeats in their last 15 league matches against the Gunners and have lost eight in a row at the Emirates Stadium (Transfermarkt).
It will be interesting to see whether Bruce decides to make many changes from the side which was beaten by the Premier League’s basement club Sheffield United last time out. While some might wish for a change in formation, the manager may decide to stick with the same shape which held the Gunners to a 0-0 draw inside normal time in the recent FA Cup clash.
Here is how we think Newcastle could line up against Arsenal, with three changes made to the team which started at Bramall Lane six days ago…
