Match Info
Date: Saturday, 29th December Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England Kick Off: 5:30 p.m. Referee: Chris Foy
Likely Line-Ups
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Podolski; Walcott.
Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Perch, Coloccini, Santon; Obertan, Marveaux, Bigirimana, Tiote; Cissé, Ba.
Team News
Arsenal are without full-back Santos thanks to a stomach muscle problem, while Diaby (thigh) and Fabianski (foot) are also set to miss the game. Newcastle meanwhile are without Hatem Ben Arfa and Steven Taylor (both hamstring), Yohan Cabaye (groin), Dan Gosling, Jonas Gutiérrez, Ryan Taylor, Haris Vuckic (all knee), and Vernon Anita (ankle) thanks to injury, while Mike Williamson is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Man Utd.
Match Preview
Newcastle will hope to put the drama of the past few days behind them, as well as the last minute defeat at Manchester United with a victory down at the Emirates, though it would be a relative surprise given their past form at Arsenal. They are now without Vernon Anita who has arguably been their best player in the past month, but Cheick Tiote's return will boost Alan Pardew's options. Arsenal meanwhile are looking to end the year strongly, with the promise of cash to spend in January and a possible squad overhaul to bring in more talent for an assault on the Champions League positions in the second half of the season. Expect goals - though probably not as many as the now legendary 4-4 draw at St James Park a few years back.
Head-to-Head
Last season Arsenal needed a late equaliser from Thomas Vermaelen to win 2-1 in the corresponding fixture, but they have lost just one of their last 10 matches against the Magpies, winning four. Newcastle have won on only four of 18 Premier League occasions at Arsenal, most recently back in 2010 when Andy Carroll headed the winner.
Where To Watch
UK TV: Live ESPN, Highlights BBC One Match of the Day. US TV: FOX Soccer Australia TV: FOX Sports Play, Fox Sports 1 Australia Canada TV: Sportsnet Ontario / East / West / Pacific, Team News via
The Telegraph