Saturday's early evening game sees Newcastle United travel the furthest out of all Premier League visitors this weekend and it may be a futile trip. Arsenal's new home is a fortress. They have only lost one competitive game at the Emirates Stadium courtesy of a West Ham United upset. Against non-top four sides the Gunners have hosted 25 games at the Grove, winning 21, and drawing three.
The game should promise goals with the Magpies' apparent inability to keep a clean sheet. In the past 33 games, the Tyneside defence has only emerged unscathed on two occasions. Aside from their shambolic lethargic display at Craven Cottage Arsenal never fail to convert, finding the net in every single match last year bar one.
The corresponding fixture last season resulted in a three-nil loss for the Toon: Adebayor; Flamini; and Fabregas all capped a miserable few days for Newcastle as the black-and-whites crashed out of the FA Cup three days prior to the same scoreline, to the same side.
Arsenal's Premier League campaign so far has been substandard. An early goal in the opening weekend's match against West Bromwich Albion seemed to stifle the rest of the play, but the Baggies threatened to equalise, and had it not been for a Johan Djourou off-the-line clearance the Gunners would only have registered a point. Their showing at Fulham was poor, and they deserved all that they got - nothing. However, their midweek Champions League outing was solid, with four goals shared between four different scorers.
Michael Owen has continued his fine goal-scoring record for Newcastle despite constant niggling injuries keeping him at bay for handfuls of games at a time. Kevin Keegan even described the canny lad as 'incredible'. The England international has been responsible for netting two winners, coming off the bench on both occasions, first at home to Bolton last weekend, and then on the road at Coventry in the Carling Cup, saving the Magpies embarrassment by striking in extra-time.
Throughout the entire history of the Premier League in its modern format, Newcastle have only beaten Arsenal thrice on north London soil.
FORM GUIDE
Newcastle United will go into the tie the more confident of the teams having accumulated four points with a notable draw at Old Trafford. Arsenal on the other hand lost at Craven Cottage in their last league game and produced, by their standards, some terrible football. Their 4-0 beating of FC Twente at home midweek will have gone someway in restoring pride, and equally importantly fan faith.
Arsenal
27 Aug vs FC Twente (H) W 4-0 ECC
23 Aug vs Fulham (A) L 1-0 PL
16 Aug vs West Bromwich Albion (H) W 1-0 PL
13 Aug vs FC Twente (A) W 2-0 ECC
09 Aug vs Sevilla (N) D 1-1 AT
Newcastle United
26 Aug vs Coventry (A) W 3-2 (AET) LC
23 Aug vs Bolton Wanderers (H) W 1-0 PL
17 Aug vs Manchester United (A) D 1-1 PL
09 Aug vs Valencia (H) W 2-1 FR
06 Aug vs PSV Eindhoven D 2-2 FR
TEAM NEWS
The reason for Samir Nasri's half-time substitution during the midweek game versus Twente was due to a stomach bug he had been carrying. However, he should still start on Friday afternoon. Arsene Wenger has fitness doubts over captain William Gallas and wingman Theo Walcott, but is confident both will feature.
"Theo Walcott and William Gallas both have problems with their knee... But we are quite optimistic."
Arsenal
Possible Starting XI: Almunia, Sagna, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott, Denilson, Fabregas, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor.
Newcastle United
Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins will be left at home due to a groin strain. Damien Duff is doubtful because of a knee injury. Michael Owen will start.
Possible starting XI: Given, Beye, Taylor, Coloccini, N'Zogbia, Milner, Butt, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Geremi, Owen.
Referee: Rob Styles
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Arsenal
Arsenal's biggest summer signing Samir Nasri has dared Arsenal fans to ask whether Arsene has unearthed the next Robert Pires. Nasri's link-up play with Gael Clichy seems like it was born from years of understanding, not months, and has already scored twice for the red-and-whites.
Newcastle United
Kevin Keegan hailed his new signing Jonas Gutierrez as an incarnate of former Toon idol David Ginola. His dogged display against Manchester United was particularly noteworthy and prompted debate as to who enjoyed a greater debut: Jonas; Deco; or Nasri.
PREDICTION
Arsenal have looked impotent without Cesc Fabregas but with the Spaniard orchestrating affairs through the middle again they should be sure of goals with a squad of fully fit strikers bar Eduardo. Newcastle are enjoying a good run, their draw at Old Trafford will go a long way in convincing them they can get something from this tie, but Arsenal's home record is impeccable: 3-2.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment