Arsenal VS Newcastle United match preview

The home of Newcastle United.

Arsenal face a long trip to Newcastle on Saturday to continue in their pursuit of the Premier League trophy. Arsenal are a team in good form and Newcastle are the opposite. They also recentely lost their star striker to Liverpool, who dominated the previous game when we lost to Newcastle at the Emirates. The time of a relatively injury free squad was never going to last for the Arsenal and now Song and Nasri are both injured. Song should only miss this weekends game but Samir is out for about 3 weeks unfortunately. However Arsenal should have the strength in depth to defeat Newcastle at St James Park at 3pm tomorrow. It will be a tough game, but is a must win match for Arsenal who need the win to keep in touch with Manchester United at the top of the table. There are a few selection issues to be looked at and this is the starting XI I believe Wenger will pick for the Newcastle game.

Goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny will keep his place in goal due to his recent good form. He played well against Everton and I'm sure he will continue to do so.

Defence
 Right Back
Bacary Sagna will keep his place in the XI at right back. He has been consistent so far this season and long may this continue for the Frenchman.

Centre Back's
Johan Djourou will once again partner Laurent Koscielny at the back for Arsenal. The duo have developed a great partnership and we haven't conceded many goals recentely.

Left Back
Gael Clichy will continue at left back for Arsenal. He has been in superb form recentely in attack as well as the defensive side of his game.

Midfield
 Defensive Midfield
Alex Song, the first choice defensive midfielder is injured and Abou Diaby will take his place in the midfield trio. Abou did well against Everton and it will be good for him to get another game under his belt after his recent injury troubles.

Centre Midfield
Jack Wilshere will keep his place in the central role. He has been impressive throughout the season, and will have to defend more without a true defensive midfielder in the side on Saturday.

Attacking Midfield
Cesc Fabregas, the much talked about skipper will once again lead Arsenal out at St James Park. He is a magnificent leader of the team and also a brilliant footballer. He just needs to take no notice of the media, and continue playing his magnificent game.

Attack
 Right Wing
Theo Walcott has recovered from injury in time for the game on Saturday. His pace could be key in this match against Newcastle and he needs to continue on strongly from Tuesday night.

Centre Forward
Robin Van Persie will start up top once again for the Arsenal. He has been in magnificent form and he needs to continue in the way he has been playing.

Left Wing
Andrey Arshavin won us the game on Tuesday night and will be rewarded with a place in the starting XI. If he is in the same mood as on Tuesday, he could win the game by himself, but will the superb Arshavin turn up?

If Arsenal play like they did on Tuesday this should be a comfortable victory. Once again the players need to play their natural game and keep possession and take the chances the possession creates. I'm predicting a 2-0 victory for the Arsenal which would put us within 2 points of Manchester United who don't play till 5:30.