Arsene Wenger is looking to spark a turnaround in form with a routine victory against struggling Newcastle United.
After two uninspiring draws against Southampton and West Ham United, respectively, the Gunners will be looking to pick up three points against a Magpies side who are currently without a win in their last five games.
With a victory this weekend, Arsene Wenger will see his team back in contention for a place in the top four. However, with the dejected atmosphere emanating around the Emirates, maybe this fixture is not as straightforward as it seems.
Rafael Benitez’s Toon army will be looking to escape from the clutches of relegation and will hope Arsenal are lacking in confidence.
Here are five things to look out for at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
1. Ozil/Sanchez 'subplot'
The ongoing contract negotiations of both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are turning more into a drama with every passing day.
This lack of commitment, both in the future and the here and now is troubling for Gunners fans, plus costing the team.
The Chilean winger looks a shadow of his former self, only producing four goals with a shooting accuracy of 43%.
The German playmaker is still producing inconsistent performances, where one game is a Man of the Match performance, and in the other, he nowhere to be found.
2. Defensive Errors (again!)
If there is one area of the pitch Gunners fans would tell you is to blame for their mediocre performances so far this season, then it would be the defence.
Individual errors are to blame for some silly goals conceded for Arsenal over the course of their last 17 games.
Wing-back Hector Bellerin, to pick out an example, has not improved since he was brought into the first-team fold back in 2015.
The Spaniard is capable of so much more, however, it is time for him, and indeed the rest of the Arsenal backline, to prove it and step up.
YouTube: Hector Bellerin 2017 – The Flash ⚡ – Crazy Speed, Sprints, Skills & Assists 2016/17 | HD
3. Aaron Ramsey
The Welsh maestro in midfield picked up an injury in the 1-1 stalemate against Southampton at St. Mary’s.
The central-based Welshman has shown a considerable improvement in form, bagging on average a single assist every three games so far this season.
His injury has freed up some space in the squad for an addition in midfield.
The English midfielder is impressing the Arsenal fans, and they will be hoping that their belief in him is shared by the manager.
Wilshere is looking to play himself back into contention and from there, make an audacious attempt to force himself into Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad.
He will have to keep producing consistent performances, whilst all the time proving that his almost comical fitness record doesn’t return to haunt him.
YouTube: The Brilliance Of Jack Wilshere – Best Moments
5. Defensive Midfielder?
With the current unstability surrounding Arsenal’s defensive front, you would think that it would be wise to field a more defensive option in the midfield.
With options such as Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny, it is a surprise that Wenger hasn’t gone ahead with a more solid option.
With Aaron Ramsey sidelined due to injury, it is the perfect time for players such as Coquelin and Elneny to shine.
YouTube: Francis Coquelin – Our Beast 2017 – Crazy Skills, Tackles & Passes 2016/17 | HD