From league leaders only a couple of weeks ago, Arsenal now find themselves chasing Manchester City with only a handful of fixtures remaining. Mikel Arteta’s side have lost four domestic games on the spin yes, four and have just one win in all competitions from their last five matches.
The Emirates awaits. Newcastle visit on matchday 34. And the Gunners simply cannot afford another slip up.
Here is how they are expected to line up.
Goalkeeper
David Raya keeps his place. No debate there. He has been one of the few consistent performers during this horror run.
Defenders
Cristhian Mosquera played at right back last time out in Jurrien Timber’s absence. Expect him to start there again. Piero Hincapie could also retain his spot on the left side.
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba round off an unchanged defensive quartet. Solid on paper. Shaky in reality of late.
Changes higher up the pitch
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are expected to retain their places in the double pivot. Arteta is not resting anyone. Not now. Not with the title slipping away.
That means Martin Odegaard continues as the number 10. The captain needs to step up. His form has dipped at the worst possible time.
Bukayo Saka remains sidelined. That is a huge blow. Noni Madueke is once again the favourite to play on the right wing.
But there may be a change on the left flank. Eberechi Eze could make way for Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian has not been at his best this season, but his pace and direct running could trouble Newcastle.
Forward
Viktor Gyokeres was benched against Manchester City last weekend. That decision raised eyebrows. He is expected to be back as the leader of the line this time around.
Arsenal need goals. Gyokeres is their best hope.
The bottom line
Four straight league defeats. That is not a blip. That is a collapse.
Arsenal were top. Now they are chasing. The title is still mathematically possible, but the momentum has completely gone.
Newcastle are no pushovers. The Magpies will arrive at the Emirates with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Arteta needs a response. The fans need a performance. And the players need to remember how to win.
Martinelli and Gyokeres are back in the XI. Now they have to deliver. Because another defeat and the title race is over. Not mathematically. But emotionally. And that is worse.
