A day of debuts and protests beckons on Tyneside where more than £100m worth of new attacking talent should be on view. While Arsenal fans hope to see Nicolas Pépé make his bow, their Newcastle counterparts are looking forward to Premier League debuts for Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin. “I’m going to have some fun and games with that one,” said Steve Bruce, referring to Saint-Maximin. Bruce’s first League game as Rafa Benítez’s successor threatens to be overshadowed by a proposed fans’ boycott as opposition to Mike Ashley’s stewardship of Newcastle mounts. A city centre protest march is also scheduled. Louise Taylor
Sunday 2pm Sky Sports Premier League
Venue St James’ Park
Last season Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2
Referee Martin Atkinson
Last season G29 Y91 R1 3.17 cards/game
Odds H 18-5 A 4-5 D 11-4
NEWCASTLE
Subs from Darlow, Krafth, Dummett, Clark, Ki, Willems, Atsu, Saint-Maximin, Muto
Doubtful Ritchie (hamstring), Krafth (match fitness)
Injured Carroll (ankle, Sep), Yedlin (groin, Sep), Gayle (Calf, unknown), Lejeuene (knee, uknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y57 R2 (last season)
Leading scorer Pérez 12 (last season)
ARSENAL
Subs from Martínez, Macey, Pépé, Papastathopoulos, Mustafi, Nelson, Willock, Martinelli
Doubtful Ceballos, Elneny, Pépé (all match fitness), Lacazette (ankle)
Injured Smith Rowe (hip, Sep), Tierney (groin, Sep), Mavropanos (groin, Oct), Bellerín (knee, Nov), Holding (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y72 R2 (last season)
Leading scorer Aubameyang 22 (last season)
