[Teams] Arsenal vs Newcastle: Confirmed Line-ups

Arsenal take on Newcastle United at the Emirates on Saturday evening looking to close in on the top-four.

The Gunners trail fourth-placed Chelsea by five points after seeing our Boxing Day clash with West Ham postponed but we can cut the deficit with a win this weekend over the struggling Geordies.

Boss Arsene Wenger has been forced to make one change to the line-ups that have beaten Reading and Wigan in recent weeks. Per Mertesacker misses out so Laurent Koscielny comes in to play alongside captain Thomas Vermaelen at the back. Theo Walcott continues up front supported by Chamberlain and Podolski.

Here are the confirmed line-ups:

Arsenal Team

Szczesny, Sagna, Gibbs, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Chamberlain, Podolski, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott.

Subs: Mannone, Djourou, Ramsey, Coquelin, Rosicky, Gervinho, Giroud

Newcastle Team

Krul; Simpson, Perch, Coloccini, Santon; Bigirimana, Tiote; Cisse, Marveaux, Obertan; Ba.

Subs: Harper, Ferguson, Tavernier, Streete, Abeid, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi.