Different manager, same old story for Arsenal and if anything the back line has looked worse this season than it did under Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners have conceded eight goals in their four matches – even hapless West Ham scored against them and could have had more.
Arsenal appear to lack mobility down the middle of their defence, and still cannot cope with a physical battle.
The fitness of Lucas Torreira is a concern after he suffered a calf injury away with Uruguay, while defenders Sead Kolasinac, Laurent Koscielny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are all out.
Newcastle are yet to earn three points in the league this season having drawn one and lost three of their opening fixtures.
Rafa Benitez ,Newcastle manager admits he faces a difficult decision on whether to play in-form Salomon Rondon against Arsenal after his Transatlantic international break exertions.
Benitez said: “This period is quite difficult. Atsu is back now and was training on Tuesday and then on Wednesday we have a couple more problems but DeAndre and Rondon will come late. It will be difficult for us because sometimes they come to us and they say ‘I’m fine’. But they can be tired. Rondon played in Miami.
Newcastle, meanwhile, sit 18th after three defeats and are without a win so far this term. Having beaten Arsenal at home last season, Rafa Benitez needs to shock the Gunners again to kickstart the Magpies’ campaign.
