Only Karl Darlow, Ciaran Clark and Callum Wilson keep their place following the Magpies' 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United, with Bruce shuffling his pack for tonight's clash at the Emirates Stadium against Mikel Arteta's Gunners.

Newcastle look set to switch to a defensive back four, with Jamaal Lascelles partnering Clark in the heart of the backline, while Emil Krafth and Jamal Lewis, who returns after a knee injury, will occupy the respective right and left flanks.

Jonjo Shelvey makes his first league start since United's 1-1 draw against Fulham and will play alongside Matty Longstaff in central midfield.

With Ryan Fraser serving a one-match suspension following his red card at Sheffield United and Allan Saint-Maximin still recovering from the after-effects of Covid-19, Miguel Almirón and Joelinton - both unused substitutes against the Blades last Tuesday - will operate the wings.

Andy Carroll, who scored the winner in United's last victory at Arsenal - a 1-0 triumph back in 2010 - starts alongside leading goalscorer Callum Wilson, who is one goal away from reaching a half century of strikes in the English top-flight.

Martin Dúbravka, who played in between the sticks during Newcastle's 2-0 Emirates FA Cup loss against Arsenal, features on the substitutes' bench along with defensive trio Matt Ritchie, DeAndre Yedlin and Javier Manquillo.

Teenage playmaker Elliot Anderson, who made his professional debut for his boyhood club against the Gunners nine days ago, is also among the substitutes as well as Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Jeff Hendrick and Jacob Murphy.

Newcastle United: Karl Darlow, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles (c), Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis, Matty Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey, Miguel Almirón, Joelinton, Andy Carroll, Callum Wilson.

Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, Javier Manquillo, DeAndre Yedlin, Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Jeff Hendrick, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson.