Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Arsenal vs Newcastle United
When: Monday 12th March, 2012, at 20:00 UK Time
Where: Emirates Stadium, London, England
Securing Fourth Spot
Arsenal nearly achieved the impossible in midweek, clawing the side’s Champions League tie against AC Milan back to 4-3 on aggregate, having lost the first leg 4-0 at the San Siro. The Gunners ensured that they walk away from the competition with their heads held high – now the focus shifts to securing Champions League football for next season, with manager Arsene Wenger having admitted that failing to do so would be a disaster.
Luckily for the Frenchmen, there are ample signs that his team are hitting top gear just in time for the end of season run-in. With Tottenham Hotspur seeing their own form dip in line with Harry Redknapp’s constant linking with the England job, Chelsea’s managerial instability via the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas, and Liverpool’s succumbing to Arsenal at Anfield last weekend and then Sunderland, a top four spot looks more certain than ever for Wenger’s men – if they can show consistency.
For that Wenger will be able to count on his squad being bolstered for this game. Flying Brazilian full back Andre Santos is fit, tricky Yossi Benayoun looks set to be available, while Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey are also ready to face the Magpies.
The earlier fixture between the two sides this season ended 0-0; with Robin van Persie and co. having scored ten goals in their last three games, a repeat looks unlikely.
Still Hanging In There
Sat sixth, Newcastle can have legitimate hopes of claiming a European spot in what would cap a truly memorable season. To do that though Alan Pardew’s men must keep picking up points – and even just one here would be seen as a valuable prize.
Following a 5-0 drubbing at Tottenham Hotspur on 11th February, Newcastle have been solid, claiming two successive draws against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland respectively. What boss Pardew will be most happy about is that his side look a threat going forward, with Senegal duo Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba already appearing to have the makings of a fine partnership.
And despite Newcastle having failed to win in their last three Premier League games, the squad are upbeat ahead of the trip to England’s capital, with defender James Perch claiming that, although playing Arsenal is always difficult, a win, as gained at the Emirates last season, is possible.
"Arsenal are on a great run at the moment and I don’t think there’s ever a great time to play them", said Perch. "They are always a good team, a passing team with great players. But what we’ve got is a team spirit and a good team and we can take that down there. We will put in 100 per cent just like we did last year when we played there and got the win."
Recent form
Arsenal:
Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur (26/02; Premier League)
Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal (03/03; Premier League)
Arsenal 3-0 AC Milan (06/03; Champions League)
Newcastle United:
Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 Newcastle United (11/02; Premier League)
Newcastle United 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers (25/02; Premier League)
Newcastle United 1-1 Sunderland (04/03; Premier League)
Key absences
Arsenal: Abou Diaby; Jack Wilshere; Per Mertesacker
Newcastle United: Peter Lovenkrands; Steven Taylor
Players to watch
Arsenal – Gervinho: The Ivory Coast international has enjoyed a respectable first season in English football so far. Gervinho has boosted the Gunners since returning from the African Cup of Nations and, with Robin van Persie sure to be the centre of attention for Newcastle’s defence, the former Lille man may be able to slip in.
Newcastle United – Tim Krul: The goalkeeper’s decision to sign a new contract at St. James’ Park will have lifted morale in the Magpies camp. Krul has excelled between the sticks this season and is sure to be called upon here.
Match Prediction
Arsenal are in fine form, but have yet to show they can go on a sufficiently long winning run this season. For Newcastle, this may be the game which shows whether Champions League ambitions are still possible. The Gunners though should have enough strength to put the Magpies to the sword. Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle United.
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