Predicted Newcastle lineup to face Arsenal

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Newcastle United kick their 2023 off when they face Arsenal tonight, as they begin a year that will hopefully be even more exciting than 2022.

It is set to be a tough game for Eddie Howe’s side, as they take on the league leaders away from home. Arsenal have continued their excellent form after the World Cup, beating West Ham and Brighton during the Christmas period.

Now first and third are set to collide in the capital, in what should be an outstanding game of football.

Howe will be looking to outwit Mikel Arteta, and this is our predicted Newcastle lineup to face Arsenal tonight

Jamal Lewis on the bench for Newcastle

Newcastle have been excellent defensively this season, and will need that trend to continue to get a result against the Gunners. Therefore, the back five will almost certainly remain unchanged.

In truth, Howe does not have too many options to change his backline even if he wanted to. Matt Targett is now out with a heel injury, meaning Dan Burn is looking even more comfortable on the left of defence.

He will receive backup from Jamal Lewis, who returned to the bench against Leeds. The £15million defender has been linked with a move away this month, but talk of an exit might be put on hold amid Targett’s absence.

Howe also has Martin Dubravka back in his ranks after he was recalled from his loan spell at Manchester United. It will be telling if he replaces Karl Dalow on the bench at the Emirates.

Callum Wilson set to face Arsenal

Newcastle are expected to make one change tonight. According to the Northern Echo, Callum Wilson is set to start up front.

That would see Chris Wood drop to the bench. The 31-year-old has started the Magpies’ last two games, but it is vital that Howe puts out his best side tonight. That means Wilson has to replace Wood.

However, at the moment it also means that Allan Saint-Maximin will be on the bench. The Frenchman has not started a Premier League game since August, largely down to injury.

He is back fit now, but it would be a real shock to see him named in the starting lineup tonight at the Emirates. Instead, expect to see him make an appearance off the bench in the second half.

Predicted XI vs Arsenal: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.