Newcastle v Arsenal match preview

With the danger of relegation looming a dark shadow on Newcastle, each match is a crucial moment that could decide the clubs Premier League future. Saturday afternoon, the Magpies welcome Arsenal to St James` Park with the Gunners in the midst of a massive battle with Aston Villa for a Champions League spot.

The Gunners appear to have finally broken through their mid-year swoon and were clicking on all cylinders last week at Emirates, defeating Blackburn 4-0. Returning to full fitness after the long Russian season, new-man Andrei Arshavin from Zenit Saint Petersburg looks to be comfortable in his new north London home. With a star studded cast that includes Samir Nasri and always exciting Three Lion capped Theo Walcott, Arsenal looks poised for a superb stretch run.

While Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear is rumbling that he would like go against medical advice an return from triple bypass heart for the upcoming Stoke City match, Chris Hughton has delicate mix to consider for the match. With a clear target for safety at thirty-nine points, home matches need to be capitalized on, even if it is amongst the leagues elite. There are few changes to the Newcastle lineup with the exception of Habib Beye's availability and Kevin Nolan's return from the sin-bin. Arsenal are without Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas and Eduardo with Manuel Almunia questionable.