Gunners face resurgent Magpies with makeshift defence
France international Mathieu Debuchy has been deployed at centre-half in a makeshift Arsenal defence for today’s Barclays Premier League clash against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.
Hector Bellerin retains his place in at right-back, while Francis Coquelin is on the bench after being recalled from a loan spell at Charlton following a hamstring injury to Aaron Ramsey.
Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck all return, having been rested for the trip to Istanbul.
Newcastle give a first start to young goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.
Midfielder Moussa Sissoko and defender Steven Taylor are suspended, but captain Fabricio Coloccini is fit to start. Mike Williamson, Yoan Gouffran and Papiss Cisse all come into the XI.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Bellerin, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Flamini, Cazorla, Sanchez, Welbeck, Giroud.
Subs: Podolski, Sanogo, Martinez, Campbell, Coquelin, Ajayi, Maitland-Niles.
Newcastle: Alnwick, Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett, Ameobi, Colback, Tiote, Gouffran, Cisse, Perez.
Subs: Anita, Haidara, Cabella, Vuckic, Riviere, Armstrong, Woodman.
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)
