Podolski + Monreal Start: Predicted Arsenal Starting XI To Take On Newcastle

Arsenal have the chance to cement their place in the top four when they take on Newcastle United at the Emirates on Monday night. Here is a predicted line-up from Gooner Mac.

Arsene Wenger confirmed on Friday that he has no fresh injury worries for the game but unfortunately Kieran Gibbs remains out with hamstring injury meaning that Nacho Monreal will continue at left-back.

Skipper Thomas Vermaelen is back in contention after recovering from his own hamstring problem but he’s expected to be among the subs as the boss is likely to stick with his first choice pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

Aaron Ramsey made his first Premier League start in almost fourth months against Hull last week and showed us what we’ve been missing with a goal and two assists, so he’s certain to retain his place alongside Mikel Arteta in midfield.

Lukas Podolski has also played his way into the first team recently after scoring four goals in his last two games while Santi Cazorla is expected to start ahead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with the youngster nursing a niggling groin problem.

Mesut Ozil made his return from injury last week and came through the game unscathed so should be okay to start again tomorrow in support of Olivier Giroud in attack. Here’s the team I think Arsene will go with:

It’s an unchanged line-up from the side that beat Hull 3-0 and there is little reason for the boss to change things after such an impressive away performance. Hopefully we can secure another three points which would put us just one win away from securing a top four place.

What team would you go with for the game? Share your views below.