8 Key Decisions Steve McClaren Must Make Ahead Of Newcastle Vs Arsenal

2. Can McClaren Afford To Drop The Hard-Working Gabriel Obertan?

This is a follow-on to the previous few points but, given that Gabriel Obertan has protected the flanks so well when he has been deployed on the wing, can Steve McClaren really drop him for a game against Arsenal? Arsene Wenger's side are likely to enjoy a decent share of possession and will attack at every opportunity, so Newcastle's wide men are going to need to work hard in order to protect the back four. Although Florian Thauvin put in a shift when he came on against Manchester United and when he started against Northampton Town, the winger is not renowned for tracking back or for his defensive duties. Despite the wealth of attacking options McClaren has at his disposal, will the Newcastle head coach still find a place in his side to accommodate the hard-working and tireless Obertan?