Newcastle travel to face Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend as Eddie Howe looks to haul the Magpies off the foot of the table heading into a busy month of fixtures.

The former Bournemouth boss could not be in the dugout for his side’s 3-3 draw with Brentford last time out after he contracted COVID-19, casting a keen eye from home as Newcastle’s defensive frailties were laid bare.

The Magpies‘ recent record in their trips to the English capital makes for dismal reading, but they could meet an Arsenal side still licking their wounds from last weekend’s 4-0 away defeat to Liverpool.

Here’s how Howe could line his side up.

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Karl Darlow (GK) – It could be last chance saloon for the 31-year-old after a string of errors in recent weeks.

Fabian Schar (CB) – Howe will enjoy his ability to distribute the ball cleanly out of defence.

Jamaal Lascelles (CB) – Stepped up when he was required last weekend and he will be hoping to be at the heart of an improved defensive performance this time around.

Ciaran Clark (CB) – Great in the air, but he will have his work cut out against Arsenal’s nimble attackers.

Ryan Fraser (RWB) – A role he’s familiar with at Scotland, with his energy likely to trouble Arsenal.

Joe Willock (CM) – Likely to be an emotional return for Willock to north London.

Jonjo Shelvey (CM) – Talented but frustrating in equal measure, Howe will hope the former shows up this weekend.

Matt Ritchie (LWB) – Consistently excellent deliveries which Newcastle’s forwards will hope to profit from.

Joelinton (RW) – His goal last weekend will do his confidence the world of good.

Callum Wilson (ST) – Newcastle’s fortunes – and by extension Howe’s future – could depend on the goalscoring prowess of the 29-year-old.

Allan Saint-Maximin (LW) – A fine volley to get Newcastle back on level terms last weekend, the Frenchman is the type of player Arsenal defenders won’t want to face.