Preview: Newcastle – Arsenal

Newcastle return to action at St. James’ Park this weekend for a traditional Saturday 3pm kick off (their second of which in 9 matches), as John Carver’s threadbare squad look to take on an in form but deflated Arsenal side knocked out of the Champions League last 16 this past Tuesday night.

Newcastle on the other hand, are looking not just for a result, but a performance worthy pleasing the fan base, having been humiliated at the hands of Everton on Sunday, both on & off the ball. As pleasing as the reciprocal agreement between Newcastle & Everton was to see, some fans may still argue that £20 was still too much to pay having watched such a shambolic display & insult to the standard of quality that the Premier League demands. Only the likes of Jonas, Perez & Janmaat could say they gave their all last Sunday. The rest of the team seemed to bottle what looked an ideal opportunity to all-but seal Premier League status for another season & perhaps even secure John Carver the job as Head Coach permanently.

Team news:

Fabricio Coloccini begins the first of his three match ban following his straight dismissal at Goodison Park, so a baptism of fire debut may be given to young CB Lubo Satka.

No word has been given regarding the return of Massadio Haidara. Siem De Jong has started training again following his collapsed lung but this fixture will come too early for him. Aarons, Tiote, Abeid, Steven Taylor, Paul Dummett & Facundo Ferreyra also miss out.

Arsenal’s squad is still in tact following their mid-week win & Champions League exit at the hands of Monaco on Tuesday night. Old boy Debuchy, Mikel Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain & Jack Wilshere all remain out, but Thomas Rosicky & recent signing Gabriel Bautista could return.

Key clash: Riviere v Mertesacker

Both woefully off form this season, this is a key opportunity for the former Monaco CF & World Cup Winner to prove their worth head to head this Saturday. Whilst Manuel may still struggle without a striking partner alongside him, the Frenchman will be looking to win aerial duels, be nuisance at set-pieces & open play, hopefully shrugging off the big German in the final third.