Martin Odegaard has become a key part of this Arsenal attack over the past few seasons and has been made captain to reward his good performances. He has taken the responsibility in his stride and has managed seven goals from 37 shots this season, at an average rate of 2.66 shots per 90 minutes – one of the highest in the Arsenal side. He scored at Brighton last time out and amassed six shots against West Ham last time they played at home. In the league this season, he has played seven times at the Emirates, having six shots on target in that time.

The Norwegian has also had at least two shots in all but one of those games. He should be nailed to play 80+ minutes and will be given even more responsibility and license to push forward given that Gabriel Jesus is out – as he has been over his last two games. Odegaard also splits direct free kick duty with Saka and so might be presented with an opportunity from a set piece. Last season in a much weaker Arsenal side, he had three shots across the two league games, one of which was on target – in their game in London.

Miguel Almiron has been playing like a man possessed so far this season. Last season, he managed one goal and no assists in 30 appearances in the league, and he sits on nine goals already this season. In his last ten league games, he has scored eight times and got one assist and the game against Leeds was only the second time since the 17th September that he failed to get a goal contribution in the league. He has had 42 shots, 15 of which have been on target, and has had at least one in all but one of his appearances for Newcastle so far this season.

He only managed one against Leeds but before that had at least two in 11 of the 16 games in a stretch running back to August. He has already scored against Spurs and Manchester City and got an assist against Chelsea, and the Paraguayan will see this as an opportunity to prove himself against the big teams once again. In all but one of his starts this season for Newcastle he has played at least 75 minutes, showing how crucial he is to this Newcastle attack and how Eddie Howe wants his team to play. It also gives this selection the best chance of landing.

Just like Almiron, Joelinton was written off after his big money move from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2019. However, his transformation from being average to top quality is even more impressive given that he has had to move position from up front to the midfield to realise his potential. However, he is susceptible to conceding fouls. He has committed 30 offences in 18 appearances, and at least one in 12 of his last 13 games. In this time, he has committed at least two in six different times, including three against Leeds last time out.

He conceded three at Liverpool and four against Manchester City, showing that he will get stuck in against the best quality opposition in the league. Last season he conceded eight free kicks in two games against Arsenal with three in just 66 minutes at the Emirates, as well as five at St James’ Park. He has a big responsibility to try and keep Arsenal’s midfield of Partey and Xhaka quiet, as well as Bukayo Saka on the right, and he should put in plenty of challenges here.

At home, Arsenal averagAt home, Arsenal average amongst the highest corner counts in the league. They have had 50 so far this season at an average of 7.14 corners per game. In 57% of their games they have had seven or more, and in all of their games they have had four or more. This selection has landed in 86% (6/7) of their games in North London this season. Newcastle tend to concede plenty of corners away from home too. Their opponents average 6 corners per game at home and in half (4/8) of their away games the other team has had six or more corners. This selection has landed in five of their eight games away from St James’ Park, including in four of their last six. Arsenal will want to continue their good run of form, especially at home, and so will be looking to win this game by attacking Newcastle and impressing their home fans. Martinelli and Saka on the wings are so important to Arteta and how he wants to play that many key battles will be won or lost against Trippier and Dan Burn who both should start at full back for Newcastle.