Timber returns, Lewis-Skelly starts, Partey role reversion - Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle

Timber returns, Lewis-Skelly starts, Partey role reversion - Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle

PaperTalk takes a look at how Mikel Arteta could line his Gunners side up for their League Cup clash with Newcastle

Arsenal have a very important match on their hands as they have a chance to reach a cup final but must navigate two very tough matches against Newcastle United. The Magpies have won their last six games and in very strong form while the Gunners continue to suffer squad losses and be affected by illness.

Ethan Nwaneri is the latest player to suffer a problem, as Mikel Arteta has confirmed the 17-year-old will be out for a few weeks after suffering a muscular problem against Brighton. The attacking options have thinned to a point where if Kai Havertz has not overcome illness, there may be zero attacking senior players whatsoever on the bench.

While this might make predicting the team much easier on paper, in reality, we have little idea about how ready the likes of Havertz or Martin Odegaard are. That said football.london's chief Arsenal writer Tom Canton gives his thoughts on what he is expecting Arteta to go with.

David Raya is sure to be busy as he faces Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. He will be the last line of defence in trying to stop the potent attacking threat.

After being unavailable to face Brighton, Jurrien Timber is well-rested and can move back into the Arsenal defence to provide a far more natural look to the back four.

William Saliba will need to shake off the penalty incident at Brighton and refocus as he will be key in preventing a Newcastle goal in North London. Outside of the penalty, he had yet another brilliant game on the road.

Set pieces are sure to be big in this tie, and Gabriel will naturally be the biggest threat. That said, his work at the back, particularly his distribution, has been delightful to watch.

Myles Lewis-Skelly can add some energy to the back four which has been lacking with the fatigue that has grown in the group. Newcastle's right is arguably their least potent and so it could be worth the added flair.