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How Newcastle United could line up against Arsenal

Ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting between Newcastle United and Arsenal, Sports Mole looks at how the Magpies could set out.

Newcastle United welcome Arsenal to St James' Park this weekend, still awaiting their first victory of the Premier League season.

The Magpies entered the international break occupying a spot in the division's bottom three after collecting one point from a possible 12.

Things do not get any easier for Rafael Benitez on Saturday, as his side play host to a Gunners side back in form thanks to two wins on the spin.

Here, Sports Mole looks at the selection decisions Benitez has to make ahead of this third home match of the season.


Possible NEW XI vs. ARS

Out: Florian Lejeune, Javi Manquillo
Doubtful: Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie

Benitez is hopeful that midfield duo Shelvey and Ritchie will be available for selection after being given a fortnight to recover from their injury issues.

Ritchie started Newcastle's first three matches before missing out on the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, while Shelvey - who appears more advanced in his comeback - played a full part against Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City.

Jacob Murphy and Ayoze Perez remain on standby if Ritchie fails to win his fitness battle, while Joselu is an alternative option if Benitez opts to change things around slightly, giving likely targetman Salomon Rondon some support through the middle.

Benitez is expected to retain his five-at-the-back formation, which could be bolstered by summer signing Fabian Schar, likely at the expense of fellow newbie Federico Fernandez.

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Rafael Benitez in charge of Newcastle United on May 13, 2018
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal36265588286083
2Manchester CityMan City35257387335482
3Liverpool36239481384378
4Aston Villa36207973532067
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs351861169581160
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle351751378562256
7Chelsea351591170591154
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd35166135255-354
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham361310135670-1449
10Bournemouth36139145263-1148
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton351211125357-447
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves36137164960-1146
13Fulham36128165155-444
14Crystal Palace361110154957-843
15Everton36129153849-1137
16Brentford3699185260-836
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3689194563-1829
18Luton TownLuton3668224978-2926
19Burnley3659223974-3524
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd36372635100-6516


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