- Newcastle United team news for Arsenal
- Eddie Howe makes five changes to XI that lost against AFC Bournemouth
- Bruno Guimaraes returns to starting XI
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has axed four first team stars from his starting XI to take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tonight as ruthless changes to the XI are made.
The Magpies are in desperate need of a positive result against the Gunners. Howe’s side have lost their last four in all competitions and must achieve a drastic turnaround in form to keep fading European hopes alive.
Newcastle came under fire from fans after the 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth last weekend, with Howe also hesitating when asked about his players’ commitment after the defeat.
Newcastle United look to improve character against Arsenal
In his press conference, when asked if the players share his fire, the manager said: “I’m hesitating because I’m speaking on behalf of other people and that’s very difficult to do
“I believe they do and from what I see on the training ground, I don’t see any sense of poor attitude or poor commitment to their work. I see a group of players that are always giving their all.
“Of course we all need to give more, the players need to give more, I need to give more, to turn the results around.”
It therefore feels telling that Howe has made dramatic changes to the starting XI to face Arsenal this afternoon. There are a total of five changes to the Magpies XI.
Newcastle United team news
The first was expected with Tino Livramento confirmed to have picked up a groin injury against Bournemouth last weekend. The England international hobbled off in that fixture and will require further scans this weekend.
On Friday, Howe said: “Tino went for a scan initially, we don’t think it’s a bad injury, we’ll wait and see if he’ll play again this season. He’ll have another scan this weekend to determine his time out.
“Tino is very level-headed, very stable mentally. He’s had a frustrating season, he was outstanding last season, fit and available and really contributed. This year has been different but that’s the life of a footballer.
“He’s never been able to get that run of games to really find his best form. He’s an outstanding player, we just hope he has a better run around the corner.”
Dan Burn comes into defence. Lewis Hall, who was taken off at half time against AFC Bournemouth, has been dropped from the team.
There’s a head-turning change in goal too with Nick Pope preferred to Aaron Ramsdale. Pope has been an unused substitute in the last five league matches.
Bruno Guimaraes is fit again to be named in the XI, having come off the bench last weekend, with Joe Willock also getting the nod. Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes drop to the bench. Jacob Murphy also starts in a big shuffle.
Newcastle United starting XI – Nick Pope, Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Jacob Ramsey, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, William Osula.
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