Arsenal vs Newcastle: Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Arsenal get back to Premier League action tonight after their (almost) heroic comeback in the Champions League last Tuesday.

Newcastle will come to the Emirates with Arsene Wenger looking to make it four league wins on the bounce following impressive victories over Blackburn, Tottenham and Liverpool.

Those wins have left us sitting in fourth spot on goals scored from Chelsea, who have played a game more, and now only four points off third-placed Spurs. So a win here will see us close the gap to just a single point and the race for third will be on!

Robin van Persie will looking to build upon his amazing form this season, and the Dutchman has scored 21 goals in his last 20 games at the Emirates.

Team News

Arsenal may have Andre Santos back in the squad for the first time in four months, after the Brazilian retuned to training after breaking his ankle.

Mikel Arteta returns after missing the win over AC Milan with concussion, and Aaron Ramsey is also available again after missing the last three games with an ankle knock. Yossi Benayoun should also be back in contention after recovering from a virus.

However, Abou Diaby pulled his hamstring last week so joins Jack Wilshere, Per Mertesacker and Francis Coquelin on the sidelines.

Newcastle will definitely be without Peter Lovenkrands after the striker was ruled out for the season with a thigh injury. Lovenkrands joins Leon Best, Sammy Ameobi, Steven Taylor and Sylvain Marveaux on the sidelines.

However, Shola Ameobi is back in contention after recovering from illness.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Arsenal are back in form and hitting their stride at the right time of the season. It’s vital we don’t slip up here and maintain our push for third with a win. Beating Newcastle will not only move us clear of Chelsea and close the gap on Tottenham, but it also all but end the Geordies chances of an unlikely top-four finish. I think we’ll have too much for them. Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle.

What are your thoughts on the game? What will the score be? Get involved in the comments section….