[Teams] Newcastle against Arsenal: Saliba Benched, Eze starts for Gunners

Arsenal has the chance to close the opening at the top of the table with a victory over Newcastle United in St James’ Park this afternoon.

The Gunners go into the game and are five points behind the champions – which lost from Crystal Palace yesterday – so that they can lower Liverpool’s benefit to just two points with a victory today.

Mikel Arteta made many changes on Tuesday evening that Port Vale defeated in the Carabao Cup. David Raya returns to the goal, while Jurrien Timber arrives on right back for Ben White.

Gabriel Magalhaes is recalled to the Arsenal defense in Maaren, but surprisingly it is William Saliba who makes room with crithic Mosquera who holds his place in the middle of the rear four. Riccardo Calafiori is called back to replace Myles Lewis-skelly left-back.

Martin Zubimendi returns to the starting eleven after he was in the midweek rest. Christian Norgaard drops out while Declan Rice also comes in for Ethan Nwaneri. Ebereechi Eze holds his place in the attacking midfield position with Martin Odegaard only sufficiently suitable for a place on the couch.

Bukayo Saka is considered suitable to start after a few minutes under his belt against Port Vale. Leandro Trossard comes in for Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank with Viktor Gyokeres reminded to replace Mikel Merino in the front.

As far as Newcastle is concerned, they go with Nick Pope in goal, so Aaron Ramsdale stands on the couch against his old club. Then Burn starts in the defense, while Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton all start in midfield.

Antony Gordan and Jacob Murphy support Woltemade in the Newcastle attack.

Here are the confirmed line-ups:

Newcastle

Pope, Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon

Subs: Ramsdale, Trippier, Lascelles, Krafth, Barnes, Willock, Miley, Osula, Elanga

Arsenal

Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimei, Rice, Eze, Saka, Gyökeres, Trssard

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Saliba, White, Lewis-Skelly, Ødegaard, Nørgaard, Merino, Dowman, Martinelli