Rafael Benítez has tried everything in recent games – different formations, different personnel – and the captain, Jamaal Lascelles, admitted there had been harsh words after Wednesday’s loss to Everton. But Newcastle United have been unable to stop their slump; it is now seven defeats in eight and, unsurprisingly, the nerve ends on Tyneside are raw. A visit to Arsenal does not seem like the best medicine but Arsène Wenger’s side are also jittery. David Hytner
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Emirates Stadium
Last season Arsenal 1 Newcastle Utd 0
Referee Stuart Atwell
This season G6, Y21, R1, 3.66 cards per game
Odds H 2-7 A 11-2 D 12-1
Arsenal
Subs from Ospina, Macey, Iliev, Giroud, Chambers, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Holding, Maitland-Niles, Coquelin, Elneny, Nelson, Akpom, Welbeck
Doubtful Mustafi (thigh), Walcott (groin)
Injured Ramsey (hamstring, Jan), Cazorla (achilles, unknown)
Suspended None
Form WWWLDD
Discipline Y24 R0
Leading scorer Lacazette 8
Newcastle Utd
Subs from Elliot, Clark, Gámez, Haïdara, Murphy, Joselu, Aarons, Saivet, Mbemba, Dummett, Diamé
Doubtful None
Injured Mitrovic (back, unknown)
Suspended Shelvey (first of two)
Form LLDLLL
Discipline Y28 R2
Leading scorers Gayle, Joselu 3