OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez could drop club record signing Miguel Almiron for his side’s clash with Arsenal on Monday.
The former Atlanta United star has been busy over the international break, clocking plenty of air miles with Paraguay. It’s likely, then, that Benitez will opt for Christian Atsu in his place after the Ghanian returned home early from Africa.
It’s also thought that the Magpies boss will reinstate fit-again captain Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of the defence, with Federico Fernandez expected to drop out after a poor showing against Bournemouth last time out.
Those are likely to be the only two changes made by the Spaniard as his team attempt to pull off an upset against Unai Emery’s side at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Dubraka took a slight knock in Slovakia’s game against Wales last Sunday, but it’s thought that he will be available to play against the Gunners. It’s almost certain, then, that he will get the nod between the sticks.
DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie have made the wing back positions their own in recent months, and there’s no reason why they both won’t continue here.
As mentioned Lascelles is likely to come in for Fernandez in the middle of the three-man central defensive unit. Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett will surely keep their places either side of him.
In central midfield, Isaac Hayden and Mohamed Diame started against the Cherries most recently and, after putting a good shift in, both are expected to start once again.
Further forward, Atsu will likely replace Almiron. However, the other two members of Newcastle’s ‘three amigos’ will almost certainly remain in place. Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez are both in fine form and will surely start at the Emirates.
