LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Pablo Mari of Arsenal and Kieran Tierney of Arsenal celebrate following their team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal clinched a record 14th FA Cup title with a victory over London rivals Chelsea last season. The Gunners will now start their title defence with a third-round tie against Newcastle United at home on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled for form in the Premier League this season but are currently on a high after three consecutive wins over Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom. Arsenal will be hopeful of continuing their rumination when Steve Bruce’s side make the trip to the Emirates for the FA Cup fixture this weekend.
Newcastle have lost each of their last three away games against Arsenal in the FA Cup by a comprehensive 3-0 scoreline and could be up against it once again this time around.
Arteta doesn’t have too many injury concerns heading into the domestic cup fixture against Newcastle on Saturday. Gabriel Magalhaes is ruled out as he continues his recovery from Covid-19. Thomas Partey has a thigh injury and is doubtful to make the squad for the FA Cup tie.
Runarsson came under scrutiny for his errors in the EFL Cup game last month, so Arteta might as well continue with his undisputed No.1 between the sticks.
The Portuguese international hasn’t started a game in the PL this season but has featured regularly in the cup fixtures and in the Europa League.
The former Bolton man has established himself as a key cog in the Gunners’ backline under Arteta and should find himself among the starters once again for this one.
The veteran might have lost his status a regular starter in the Premier League but he remains a key squad player at the back for Arteta’s side.
Tierney has been top class for Arsenal of late and should start this one.
The Egyptian has enjoyed a rejuvenation under Arteta in North London this season and could be set for a start in the FA Cup tie at the weekend.
The Real Madrid loanee hasn’t been at his sparkling best this season and this could be a good opportunity for him to prove his worth.
The Ivorian was axed from Arsenal’s starting line-ups for the last couple of league fixtures but Arteta should give him a crack in the FA Cup.
The youngster has put in some splendid displays following his return from injury and should start the cup tie against Newcastle.
The academy starlet has been instrumental in Arsenal’s recent resurgence and Arteta should continue to back him with regular game time.
The Frenchman hasn’t started as often as he would have liked this season but Arteta should definitely consider him in the starting XI on Saturday.