Newcastle vs Arsenal: Mikel Arteta MUST drop underperforming defender

Ahead of Newcastle vs Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has some difficult lineup decisions to make. One of them should be easy, though, and it involves dropping a defender.

Arsenal face a visit to St James Park in the Premier League. It will be one of their most difficult matches this season, since Newcastle is always a difficult place to visit. However, with the right lineup choice, Mikel Arteta will have the advantage heading into this match.

Although, it’s important to note that with the Champions League match soon to follow in midweek, squad rotation could also be an important factor. This could play into many of the tough decisions which the Spanish boss must make.

Arteta must drop Alex Zinchenko for Takehiro Tomiyasu in Newcastle vs Arsenal

One decision which should be easy, though, is to drop a certain full-back. I’m talking about Oleksandr Zinchenko, who I am a massive fan of personally. The thing is, though, he’s not in great form. On the left-hand side, I just can’t see Almiron vs Zinchenko being a battle in which the Ukrainian wins defensively.

With that being said, it’s fortunate that Arsenal have worthy backup in Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japan international has recently been granted the Arsenal player of the month award for October. That said, he will certainly fancy his chances to start in Newcastle vs Arsenal.

Tomiyasu is playing a different role, but it’s one which suits him. In true Arteta fashion, he has Tomiyasu playing all over the pitch, as he sometimes fills in as the second striker to help with David Raya’s immense distribution. Although, the main reason I’m calling for him to start in this match, is because he could win the defensive battle against Miguel Almiron, who is rapid and likes to press.

Click here for the full Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle.

What’s your predicted lineup for Newcastle vs Arsenal?