Team News: Martin Odegaard returns for Arsenal against Newcastle United

Martin Odegaard has returned to the starting lineup for Arsenal's Premier League encounter with Newcastle United at the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime.

The Gunners enter the weekend fifth in the top-flight table, with the chance to temporarily move level on points with fourth-placed West Ham United should they triumph here.

Odegaard has found himself among the substitutes in recent weeks to accommodate the return of Alexandre Lacazette, but the Frenchman has now taken his place on the bench as the ex-Real Madrid man returns.

Nuno Tavares holds his place in an unchanged defence despite his shaky Anfield display last weekend, with Kieran Tierney warming the bench again.

Albert Sambi Lokonga once again gets the nod alongside Thomas Partey in the engine room, with Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka starting out wide for the Gunners.

Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah are also among the substitutes, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is aiming to score for the sixth game in a row against Newcastle in all tournaments.

Arsenal starting lineup: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Partey, Lokonga; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang