Nicolas Pepe comes into the side for Gabriel Martinelli, while Dani Ceballos returns to the starting lineup as Arsenal get set to take on Newcastle United.
Mikel Arteta has made three changes to the side that started in the goalless draw against Burnley last time out in the Premier League as Arsenal prepare to play hosts to Newcastle United at the Emirates.
There are no changes at the back, with the key news being Bukayo Saka’s continued presence as the left-back. Saka is preferred to the fit-again Sead Kolasinac on the left, while Hector Bellerin starts on the right flank. At the heart of the Chelsea defence, Shkodran Mustafi and David Luiz continue their partnership while Bernd Leno starts in goal.
? Team news is in at the Emirates ?
?? @DaniCeballos46 starts
⚡️ Nicolas Pepe returns
??????? @EddieNketiah9 leads the line#ARSNEW— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 16, 2020
The first change to the starting lineup comes in midfield, where Dani Ceballos starts his first Premier League game since recovering from a hamstring injury. Ceballos has replaced Matteo Guendouzi and will partner Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park. The remaining two changes come in attack, starting with the return of Nicolas Pepe.
Pepe comes into the side in place of Gabriel Martinelli, who has dropped to the bench. The big news, though, is that Alexandre Lacazette does not start, with Eddie Nketiah set to lead the line for Arsenal against Newcastle instead. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil keep their places and join Pepe in behind Nketiah.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Leno, Bellerin, Mustafi, Luiz, Saka, Ceballos, Xhaka, Pepe, Ozil, Aubameyang, Nketiah
