Eddie Howe has several selection dilemmas to consider ahead of Newcastle United’s biggest test of the season. Premier League leaders Arsenal are in rampant form, having won 14 of their 16 top-flight fixtures this season.
However, the Magpies are enjoying a purple patch themselves as August’s controversial defeat to Liverpool is their only loss in 2022-23. While the goalless New Year’s Eve draw with Leeds United was a disappointment, an unbeaten 14-game streak means two in-form sides will go head-to-head in North London.
Chris Wood has led the line up front post-Christmas due to Callum Wilson’s illness. But the Toon number nine came off the bench against Leeds and is in contention to make a full return.
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Allan Saint-Maximin, too, is another who has barely featured in recent times. A hamstring injury suffered during the Magpies’ draw with Wolves over four months ago ruled him out for most of the season so far.
Joelinton has deputised on the left flank in Newcastle’s previous two fixtures but there are calls to move him back into the engine room. Should Howe tweak his side in that department, it would likely mean Joe Willock or Sean Longstaff miss out.
Toon supporters are desperate to see record signing Alexander Isak - injured since September - return to the fold. Unfortunately, they must wait a while longer as the Swede is not expected back until Fulham (January 15) at the earliest.
Matt Targett (heel) and Jonjo Shelvey (calf) are also sidelined. Use our widget below to select your side to face Mikel Arteta's men.
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