Newcastle United predicted XI vs Arsenal: Three major changes made as £88m trio return to starting line up

Newcastle United will be hoping to continue their recent resurgence when they travel to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday night. The Magpies make the long trip to the capital off the back of four games unbeaten, with two wins and two draws in that time. At present, they are eighth in the table, but could leapfrog Brighton and Hove Albion if results elsewhere go their way.

Standing in their path, however, is an Arsenal side who have won each of their last five Premier League outings, scoring five or more goals on three separate occasions during that streak. That being said, the Gunners did slip up in midweek, losing 1-0 to FC Porto in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash.

But how will both sides line up at the Emirates on Saturday? We've taken a look at their respective team news and predicted starting XIs below...

Newcastle United Team News

Newcastle United are fairly up against it when it comes to their current injury list, with several first team names ruled out for a while to come. Callum Wilson faces an uncertain future at the club after suffering a pectoral injury that required surgery during the recent victory over Nottingham Forest. The striker is out of contract in 2025, and may be sold in the summer to avoid him leaving on a free transfer next year. As such, some have questioned whether he might have played his final game for the Magpies.

In midfield, Joelinton is facing a considerable period out after sustaining a thigh injury during last month's Tyne-Wear derby win over Sunderland.

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Nick Pope is still recovering from the dislocated shoulder he suffered against Manchester United back in December, while less prominent names such as Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson are not expected back until mid-March. Summer signing Sandro Tonali will not be available until next season due to a gambling-related suspension.

In more promising news for the Eddie Howe's side, influential trio Fabian Schar, Joe Willock, and Alexander Isak could all be in contention to start. Speaking specifically about the Swedish striker recently, the Toon manager said: 'He is very close and looking really good. I am really pleased with his progress.'

Newcastle United Predicted XI

Martin Dubravka; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn; Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock; Miguel Almiron, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.

Arsenal Team News

The big news for Arsenal pertains to Thomas Partey, who could finally make his long-awaited return from a persistent muscle complaint on Saturday evening. Speaking last week, his manager said: 'Thomas is progressing really well. I don’t want to say too much but he’s looking very good and he’s on the field already.'

Likewise, Gabriel Jesus could return, but the Brazilian striker is likely to face a late fitness test before being cleared by medical staff. The Gunners's injury woes have been lessened still by the likes of Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe, who were both fit enough to make the bench during the midweek Champions League defeat to FC Porto in Portugal.

In terms of potential absences, Jurrien Timber remains sidelined by the ACL injury he suffered on the opening weekend of the season, although it is understood that his rehabilitation is progressing as planned. There are also lingering doubts over the likes Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu, with both players carrying knocks that could rule them out of action this weekend.

Arsenal Predicted XI

David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior; Declan Rice, Thomas Partey Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli.