The Dugout Discussion returns for an evening shift at the Emirates, as fourth-placed Arsenal take on sixth-placed Newcastle United in the penultimate fixture of Gameweek 28. If Newcastle have serious Champions League ambitions, then a good result tonight is a must. That sets us up for a potentially entertaining evening, with Arsenal currently enjoying a great spell of form. The team news from the capital is in, and the line-ups are as follows…
Arsenal XI: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Rosicky, Song, Arteta, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, van Persie.
Newcastle XI: Krul, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon, Obertan, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Tiote, Gutierrez, Ba.
Arsene Wenger makes one change from the side that unsuccessfully attempted to over-haul Milan mid-week, with Mikel Arteta coming in for Gervinho. Intriguingly, that means another start for Alex Oxlade Chamberlain with Theo Walcott operating on the opposite flank.
Despite promising an attacking mentality tonight, Alan Pardew has reverted to a 4-5-1 formation, with Papiss Cisse making way for Gabriel Obertan. There’s also a forced change with Ryan Taylor missing out with the calf strain. In comes Hatem Ben Arfa.
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