So then Gunners fans... are we having Arteta or not? The few Gooners I know seem to losing patience. Hit the thumbs and text in your feelings to 81111 (UK only).

The Europa League semi-final against Villarreal brought up the chance to compare and contrast Arteta's spell at Arsenal so far with the time afforded to predecessor Unai Emery.

Going into Thursday's game, BBC Sport looked at if Arteta has moved Arsenal on - or whether Europa League specialist Emery can strike again.

Read that piece here.

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea and Scotland winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Arsenal's entire season seems to rest on whether or not they can get to the Europa League final. I remember a few years back they put a lot of thought into getting to the Europa League final and they got there in Baku and managed to lose that game.

It's heartbreaking if you get all the way to these finals and it's all for one reason - to get into the Champions League - and you blow it when you get there. It still can be a very good season for Arsenal. They will want to win this game today but it's secondary, isn't it?

Arsenal

Speaking about making eight changes, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tells Sky Sports: "It's just to prepare for today's game the best possible way. We played 40 minutes [against Villarreal] with 10 men and we have had a crazy schedule.

"We know the risks we are taking every week. Last week we took the risk with [Alexandre] Lacazette and we lost him. We need fresh players."

On Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's selection: "He has been progressing every day. Against Villarreal, he could only play 10-15 minutes. Let's see how long he lasts today.

"It is all about getting momentum and confidence, and winning helps. We have had some disappointing results in the last week or so, for different reasons, and today we need to win for the team to benefit."

What is going on at Arsenal?! Not sure many would have foresaw Mikel Arteta's side scrapping it out with Leeds and Villa to finish in the top half...

Throw in the importance of winning the Europa League and the ownership row - it's all going off. Robbie and the AFTV crew have plenty to rage and argue about.

Let's hear what Arteta has to say from the St James' Park touchline...

History is not on Newcastle's side in this fixture though...

• Newcastle have lost 15 of their last 16 league games against Arsenal, winning the other 2-1 in April 2018
• After losing their first three Premier League away games against Newcastle, Arsenal have suffered defeat in just three of their subsequent 22 visits to St James’ Park (W11 D8)
• Arsenal have won their last six meetings with Newcastle in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in their last five. Only against Barnsley (between 1952-1998) and Blackburn (between 2003-2005) have they won six consecutive matches without conceding

Before we focus on the goings on at Old Trafford, our attention will first be on Newcastle and Arsenal.

Two clubs where disaster (or the fear of it, at least) and unrest seems to be perennially lurking around the corner...

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are set to recall goalkeeper Dean Henderson after David de Gea started Thursday's Europa League win against Roma.

United remain without injured pair Anthony Martial and Phil Jones.

Liverpool have no new fitness concerns but centre-back Nathaniel Phillips could again miss out because of a hamstring injury.

Long-term absentees Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are still sidelined.

On the pitch, there are a few question for both Solskjaer and Klopp to answer. Here's what we know so far...

It might be piddling it down with rain in Manchester, but that won't deter those United fans who are planning to protest outside Old Trafford today at the Glazers' running of the club.

Tens of supporters are already gathering outside the East Stand, congregating between the statues of Sir Matt Busby and the 'Holy Trinity' of Best, Charlton and Law.

Former United skipper Gary Neville, working there for Sky Sports, says the Glazers should "do the honourable thing" and sell up.

And on that point, there is an interesting story in the Sunday Times which says Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has proposed a swap between the United midfielder and Real Madrid's Eden Hazard.

Thoughts?

It's a soggy old day at Old Trafford. Roy Keane's tan is glowing in the gloom.

The former Manchester United skipper pauses when he is asked on Sky if Paul Pogba should stay at the club, going on to say he doesn't think the France midfielder will help the club "win major trophies".

While today's match is obviously hugely important, as every match is, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knows Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal is "the crucial moment" of the Gunners' season.

Arsenal will qualify for the Champions League if they can overturn the 2-1 first-leg deficit and then win the final against Manchester United or Roma.

"The Premier League is the competition where it is not in our hands to achieve what we wanted to do, because there are other teams in front of us," he said.

"The only thing we can control is our performances and results and this is our main focus.

"The best way to prepare for a big game is with a good performance and that helps preparation for the next game so (it would) be helpful if we can go to Newcastle and get a good result."

Not a surprise Mikel Arteta has given his pack a right good shuffle, is it?

Everything hinges on Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal.

Newcastle make just one change from the side that claimed a late point at Anfield in their last outing.

Striker Callum Wilson returns to lead the line, in place of Joelinton.

Newcastle: Dubravka, Clark, Dummett, Fernandez, Shelvey, Longstaff, Ritchie, Murphy, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Wilson

Subs: Gillespie, M Longstaff, Schär, Joelinton, Gayle, Lewis, Hendrick, Krafth, Anderson

Mikel Arteta has made wholesale changes to his Arsenal side from the one that was beaten in Villarreal in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

Only Martin Odegaard, Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka retain their place in the starting XI.

Arsenal: Ryan, Bellerin, Luiz, Magalhaes, Elneny, Xhaka, Ceballos, Odegaard, Willian, Aubameyang, Martinelli

Subs: Leno, Saka, Soares, Partey, Pepe, Chambers, Mari, Nketiah, Smith Rowe

But, let's have less of the sadness. Let's think positively. We've got three Premier League games to look forward from the warmth and dryness of our homes. Well, unless you have braved the Bank Holiday weather and are sat outside a pub somewhere.

Anyway... team news from St James' is about to drop like it's hot....

Speaking of food, what I'd do now for a double cheese from the greasy burger van outside outside a ground. And, no, I'm not even hungover.

These past 14 months without going to the game with your mates feels like an eternity, doesn't it?

There isn't just one game today though. There are three! A triple decker with all the swazz of a chicken club.

Here is what is on Sunday's Premier League menu:

• Newcastle v Arsenal (14:00)
• Man Utd v Liverpool (16:30)
• Tottenham v Sheff Utd (19:15)

Hello! How are we all? Those of you in the UK enjoying the three-day weekend? Good stuff.

Today, right in the middle of that Bank Holiday sandwich, is a tasty filling which usually has us all salivating.

Manchester United against Liverpool is one of the great fixtures in English football - and today it has extra spice.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images