Never in a million years did I think I would ever find myself in jubilant celebration of a Newcastle win. The magpies scrappy 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend put an end to their “invincible” hopes and kept Arsenal’s long standing record intact. I never really thought Chelsea could do it, but I begrudgingly admit that the blues look a real side this year and figured it would take some real doing for anyone to beat them.

Newcastle were the unlikely side to do it, and for that we gooners are thankful. Enough of that though, there will be no love lost tomorrow when the magpies come to town and it is the task of Arsenal now to rain on Newcastle’s parade. The black and whites not only knocked off Chelsea, they are riding high having won 8 of their last 9 matches stretching back to October. Arsenal will be tasked with snapping this run in what is always an enthralling affair.

Arsenal have won the last five matches against Newcastle and haven’t lost to them since November of 2010. In fact, Arsenal have lost just one of the last 14 matches against Newcastle. Let’s hope for this run to continue tomorrow.

Previous Matches

28 Apr 2014 Arsenal 3 – 0 Newcastle Utd. (Premier League)
29 Dec 2013  Newcastle Utd. 0 – 1 Arsenal (Premier League)
19 May 2013 Newcastle Utd. 0 – 1 Arsenal (Premier League)
29 Dec 2012  Arsenal 7 – 3 Newcastle Utd. (Premier League)
12 Mar 2012 Arsenal 2 – 1 Newcastle Utd. (Premier League)

Injuries

Arsenal– Arsenal got a bit of good news in midweek with the returns of Wojciech Szczesny and Mathieu Debuchy. The latter made his long awaited return from a long term ankle injury. He played 77 minutes and looked in good form. Still, defensive struggles look set to continue as the boss confirmed Koscielny is still out with a calf problem, while Nacho Monreal has failed to recover from his foot injury and Calum Chambers is suspended. Walcott is still not back from his groin problem, while Arteta is still out as well. Aaron Ramsey will also miss the match Wenger confirmed, after suffering a knock against Galatasaray. Ozil and Wilshere are of course long term injuries.

The squad should be somewhat freshened though by the returns of Alexis, Cazorla, Welbeck, Giroud, and Gibbs who were all rested in midweek.

Newcastle- Newcastle are without both their number 1 and number 2 goalkeepers as Tim Krul has been ruled out until January and Rob Elliot until February. Third choice Jak Alnwick will deputize. Captain Moussa Sissoko will serve a one match ban while Fabricio Collocini is out injured as well. Rolando Aarons and Davide Santon are also out for the visitors.

Bets

Arsenal are 5/11 according to book makers, while Newcastle is 7/1. The odds of a draw are 19/5

Prediction

I have some fears about our back line at the moment, so I expect a bit of a nervy affair. Arsenal always has goals in them, and Giroud has scored four goals in four Premier League appearances against Newcastle. I’m going for a bit of a shootout, 3-2 for Arsenal.

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