Mikel Arteta says he opted to start Eddie Nketiah over Alexandre Lacazette because he believes the Arsenal youngster can find his side a goal against a deep-lying Newcastle side.
Nketiah is making the first Premier League start of his career as the Gunners host Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium, one of a string of changes Arteta has made to his side following the winter break.
Dani Ceballos was also added to the team for his first start of Arteta's tenure and a first since November 6 when he injured his hamstring away to Vitoria Guimaraes. Nicolas Pepe is also returned to the team after being dropped for Gabriel Martinelli ahead of the 0-0 draw with Burnley.
Matteo Guendouzi, Rob Holding and Reiss Nelson, the latter recently recovered from a hamstring injury, are all understood to be fit and available for selection. Their absence indicates that Arteta's squad is now deep enough that the Arsenal head coach is now able to tailor his side for his opponents.
"He's been training really well," Arteta said of Nketiah, who supplants Lacazette after the Frenchman's nine game run without a goal. "He's a kid that has a goal in him.
"I believe we have a game ahead with a low block and a lot of numbers behind the ball. He's a very talented player to find goals and goalscoring situations.
"I trust him. That's why I decided to keep him."
Ceballos' addition also indicates that Arteta is looking for a side that can craft its way through an opponent in Newcastle who are happy to cede possession and look to hit the Gunners on the counter.
"Dani has been again, after the injury he had a few weeks where he had to pick his fitness up but he's been training really, really well and he completely deserves his chance," Arteta said.
