So near but yet so far, Arsenal were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 again. This time they won 2-0 away at Monaco but the damage done in the first leg by the French club was enough to knock out Arsene Wenger’s team on away goals. The Gunners now need to shift their focus to the Premier League as they face Newcastle United, the Gunners will be hoping to take advantage of the poor form shown by Manchester City and a win against Newcastle might help them move to the second position in the Premier League table.
In their last game in the Premier League, Arsenal had a rather easy win over West Ham. They beat the London club 3-0 and will be hoping for another easy game against the Magpies. We look at the possible starting XI for Arsenal as they focus their attention to domestic fixtures.
David Ospina
It seems that Ospina has finally won Wenger’s trust, he has started the last two games and has not conceded in both of them. It would mean another start for the Colombian goalkeeper.
Hector Bellerin
The youngster has been roped in for Spain’s U-21 squad recently, thanks to his consistent performances for the Gunners. He should continue down the right flank ahead of Chambers.
Laurent Koscielny
With Paulista slowly making his comeback, there is no doubt who the top defender is at Arsenal and that is Koscielny, who again should start for the club.
Per Mertesacker
Mertesacker is the only other substitute for Paulista, Chambers is not ready to play many games in a season and the German should continue in the starting XI.
Nacho Monreal
The left back has played the last two games and should feature in this as well, he has been exceptional all throughout the season and should not be dropped from the team.
Francis Coquelin
The cover for the defence, Coquelin was substituted in the game against Monaco but he should resume his duties in the centre of midfield for the London team as they take on Newcastle.
Aaron Ramsey
The return of Ramsey is a huge sigh of relief for Arsenal fans, he might not be playing at the level he achieved at the start of last season but the more games he plays, the better he will become and he should start against Newcastle.
Alexis Sanchez
The star of the Arsenal attack, he cannot be dropped and will again form the main crux of the attack as the Gunners go looking for 3 more points.
Mesut Ozil
The German might look a little weary and he probably needs to start delivering if he has to keep his place in in the starting XI.
Santi Cazorla
Santi might be deployed in a more attacking role thanks to the return of Ramsey. Either way, Santi has been in sparkling form for Arsenal since the turn of the year and he should start in this game as well.
Olivier Giroud
The best finisher Arsenal has, they cannot go a game without Giroud and with Welbeck not really firing on all cylinders, there is no doubt that the Frenchman will get the nod to start.