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

1. How Do NUFC Stop Olivier Giroud From Getting His Customary Goals Against Them?

If there's one Premier League player that the Newcastle United back five have not enjoyed playing against over the past few seasons then it would almost certainly be Olivier Giroud. Since his first appearance for The Gunners against NUFC back on December 29th 2012 - when he netted twice in Arsenal's 7-3 demolition of Newcastle at The Emirates - the French forward has scored eight goals in six matches against the Magpies in all. In fact, he has only failed to score against Newcastle once, and he netted four times in two matches against Newcastle last season. Can Steve McClaren and his backroom staff finally find a way to stop the ex-Montpellier man this time around? Aerially NUFC have been guilty of giving Giroud far too much space in the past to get headers in on the Toon goal, and the Frenchman always seems to be clinical against Newcastle. Will Aleksandar Mitrovic be able to help the NUFC back four defensively? And will both Fabricio Coloccini and Chancel Mbemba actually be able to compete with Giroud in the air? McClaren needs to come up with a plan, or the big Frenchman will put Newcastle to the sword once again. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.