Arsenal take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round today as Mikel Arteta’s side begin their title defence. The Gunners have struggled for much of the current campaign, but have found form after a win over Chelsea. Arsenal have since defeated Brighton and West Brom to complete a run of three successive wins and revive some optimism ahead of the start of this season’s FA Cup journey.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have seen their own form stutter recently and the Magpies are without a win in their previous six games in all competitions – a run that includes four defeats. Steve Bruce will be hoping that the magic of the FA Cup can reinvigorate his team against the Gunners, and a cup run would certainly help lift the atmosphere at either club.
Both Arteta and Bruce respect the competition, with each manager lifting the cup as captain of Arsenal and Manchester United respectively. In fact, Arteta – who won the tournament at the first time of asking as a manager last season – raised the trophy as captain against Hull City, who Bruce was managing at the time. Bruce could exact some sort of revenge for that heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat, and his Newcastle team will be desperate to come away with a result at the Emirates.
Follow all the latest updates from the FA Cup third-round tie below.
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FA Cup holders Arsenal come into the game on the back of three consecutive victories in the Premier League. It’s sparked a turnaround for Mikel Arteta’s men that he wants to continue today. Arteta said:
“It’s great to win the last three games. The spirit, the energy around the place and the vibe is always better. I feel better myself.
“In this Christmas period, to win three games in a row is never easy in this league and we’ve done it, so hopefully we can pick up a much better run.”
Steve Bruce has named a pretty strong Newcastle team for today’s match against Arsenal which echoes his thoughts about playing weakened sides in the FA Cup. He said:
“We understand the restrictions, the season has been squashed and there is no room for anything else. [But] to play weakened teams and your youth team is not the way round it for me, personally, I think it devalues the FA Cup.”
Team news – Changes
Lots of changes for both teams.
Arsenal make seven changes to the team that faced West Brom last time out in the Premier League. Cedric Soares and David Luiz start in the Gunners’ back line with Mohamed Elneny, Joe Willock, Nicolas Pepe and Willian making up the midfield. Gabriel Martinelli starts up top with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Newcastle make eight changes to their team. Only Ciaran Clark, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton remain in the starting XI from their last game out against Leicester. There’s also a welcome return for Martin Dubravka.
Team news – Newcastle
Team news – Arsenal
Team news coming right up…
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