Gunners return to Tyneside for first time since memorable jubilant scenes in May
They weren’t comfortable to watch, and they probably added a few more lines to Arsène Wenger’s forehead, but the 90 minutes in which Arsenal last visited St.James’ Park back in May, were arguably the most crucial in the club’s recent history. Laurent Koscielny’s second-half strike guaranteed Champions League football, well, a qualifier for Europe’s premier competition at least, providing the platform for the inspirational signing of Mesut Özil and continuing the Gunners’ excellent Premier League form – no side has accumulated more points in 2013 than Arsenal.
Ahead of the first meeting between the sides this season, on Sunday afternoon, it appears Wenger and Alan Pardew’s teams have stepped it up a gear. Arsenal are 9 points better off than at this stage, Newcastle 13 points.
“This place will be rocking, and Arsenal know that,” Pardew said after his side defeated 9-man Stoke 5-1 on Boxing Day, “It’s a difficult game for both of us, so let’s see how we match up.” That win was the Magpies’ 7th in the last 9 League games. It’s little wonder Wenger labelled his team’s run of fixtures as “horrendous” – Arsenal have met Everton, Chelsea, Manchester City and Napoli already this month.
Match Facts
* Arsenal have lost just 1 of their last 12 Premier League games at St James Park.
* Arsenal have lost only one of their last 17 final games of the year (0-1 to Sheffield United in 2006).
* Olivier Giroud has only scored one of his 18 Premier League goals outside of London, but this solitary strike came in the north-east (at Sunderland) earlier this season.
* Arsenal have won the most Premier League points in 2013, and their current 79 point tally in the year cannot be surpassed by any other side.
* Yoan Gouffran has scored in five consecutive Premier League home games for Newcastle United.
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Team News
Arsenal
Ramsey (thigh) joins Diaby (knee), Chamberlain (knee) & Sanogo (back) on the sidelines, but Wilshere (suspension),Koscielny (knee) & Rosický (rested) should all return.
Newcastle
Tiote is available again after his 1-match ban.
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Possible Arsenal XI: Szczesny; Sagna Mertesacker Vermaelen Gibbs; Arteta Flamini; Walcott Cazorla Rosicky; Giroud
Subs: Fabianski, Koscielny, Monreal, Wilshere, Ozil, Podolski, Bendtner
Possible Newcastle XI: Krul; Debuchy Williamson Coloccini Santon; Anita Tiote Cabaye; Sissoko Remy Gourffran
Subs: Krul, Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Haidara, Ben Arfa, Cisse, Ameobi
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Prediction
As Pardew said, Sunday will be a true test of Arsenal’s credentials. Chelsea & Liverpool have already dropped points at St.James’ Park this season, and Newcastle have two of the League’s in-form players just now; Cabaye & Remy. The French duo wouldn’t look out of place in any side in the division, particularly the former, an Arsenal target last summer, no less.
Arsenal are unlikely to be top of the tree come kick-off, with Man City hosting relegation battlers Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday. Three points are a must. Wilshere, Koscielny & Rosicky returning provides further options for Wenger, even if Ramsey’s injury is a cruel blow.
I’m going for Arsenal to nick it 2-1 and stay top of the League heading into 2014.
ARSENAL TO WIN – 11/10: Arsenal are at the top of the table. Despite Newcastle’s strong showing against Stoke, the Gunners are still the better side and should have enough to see of the Toon Army. BET ON THIS MARKET.
ARSENAL TO WIN 2-1 – 9/1: Samuel predicts Arsenal to nick to the game 2-1. Why not follow him and back it? BET ON THIS MARKET.
BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE – 13/20: Newcastle and Arsenal both like to score goals. Back them both to net in the game. BET ON THIS MARKET.
