How will Arsenal line up vs Newcastle after the transfer window? Predicted XI

Around 10 days ago you would not have found the same level of optimism at the Emirates as you do now.

However, a late flurry by Arsenal in the transfer window has supporters believing this is their year to finish in the top four and return to the Champions League.

The arrival of Nicolas Pepe has boosted the Gunners’ already strong attack, while the signings of David Luiz and Kieran Tierney are welcome and much-needed additions in defence.

Whether any of those trio are fit enough to start the season’s opener with Newcastle United on Sunday remains to be seen, particularly given Pepe’s involvement at the African Cup of Nations and Tierney’s injury issues.

Luiz is the most likely to feature, but given the limited time with his new team-mates he may have to wait a week. Either way, it is an exciting time at the Emirates once again.

Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac will not be available as the police investigate "further security incidents" after the pair were targeted by car-jackers in north London last month, Arsenal have confirmed.

In Pictures | David Luiz joins Arsenal from Chelsea | 08/08/2019

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Bernd Leno

AFP/Getty Images

The German firmly established himself as Arsenal’s No1 last season and now Petr Cech has gone he is even more guaranteed to start. At 27, he looks set to be the Gunners’ goalkeeper for years to come. Emiliano Martínez will most likely be his understudy and back-up this season.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

REUTERS

Given Hector Bellerin’s absence through injury Maitland-Niles should claim the right-back spot. He scored a disastrous own-goal against Barcelona in Arsenal’s final pre-season game, but other than that he has looked solid. Perhaps best deployed further up the pitch as a wing-back, this could be a big season for his development.

Calum Chambers

AFP/Getty Images

After a spell on loan at Fulham, the 24-year-old is back to fight for his place at Arsenal. His time at Craven Cottage appears to have been hugely beneficial and he was voted the club’s Player of the Season. He has impressed in pre-season alongside Sokratis and deserves to start next to him at St. James’ Park.

Sokratis

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The Greece international has quickly become a key cog in Arsenal’s defence and his absence is noticeable when he doesn’t play. A leader at the back, you would think he and Rob Holding would become the first-choice centre-back pairing when both fit. However, Luiz’s arrival could well change that now.

Nacho Monreal

AFP/Getty Images

With Kolasinac unavailable, Monreal should play on the left flank. The Spanish wing-back is obviously not as quick as Kolasinac, but is a threat in and around the back and will bring added solidity to Emery's back line.

Granit Xhaka

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Captained the side against Barcelona and is a contender to have the armband full time following the departure of Laurent Koscielny. Arsenal have chopped and changed midfield combinations in pre-season, but Xhaka has been a constant throughout. Can be prone to defensive errors, but his passing ability is one of the best in the squad. Dani Ceballos is one who could replace him though.

Matteo Guendouzi

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The Frenchman arrived back late for pre-season but he has quickly got up to speed. After signing last summer, the midfielder became one of Unai Emery’s go-to players given the energy and dynamism he offers in the middle of the park. May just get the nod ahead of Joe Willock, who had a brilliant pre-season, to start against Newcaslte.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Getty Images

This is perhaps one of the spots that is most up for grabs. Nicolas Pepe could come in to make his debut, but he has not played any pre-season due to his involvement at the African Cup of Nations. As a result Mkhitaryan, who started against Barcelona, could get the chance to start on the right v Newcastle.

Joe Willock

REUTERS

With Ozil missing out this weekend, 19-year-old Willock may get an early chance to impress. The youngster was superb in pre-season, and looked sharp enough against good opposition to warrant a chance against Newcastle - providing Emery thinks Dani Ceballos is still not fit enough to start.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Getty Images

If Alexandre Lacazette does not prove himself fit, then Aubameyang will most likely find himself playing through the middle. However, if both are available then you can expect to see the Gabon international out left. He linked up superbly with Lacazette from that position during pre-season, particularly against Real Madrid, and their partnership will be crucial for Arsenal this year.

Alexandre Lacazette

AFP/Getty Images

An ankle injury picked up against Lyon disputed the Frenchman’s pre-season. He missed last week’s match against Barcelona, but it was always hoped he would be fit to face Newcastle. If that is the case, the striker will lead the line, but in his absence Reiss Nelson could play out left and Aubameyang through the middle.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno, Maitland-Niles, Chambers, Sokratis, Monreal, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Willock, Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan, Lacazette.

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