NEWCASTLE UNITED
V
ARSENAL
St. James’ Park, England
21st March, 2015; 15:00 GMT
Following their disappointing exit from the Champions League, Arsenal head to Newcastle United as the race for a top four finish in the English Premier League heats up. Arsene Wenger will be aware that his side cannot slip up even though they are in the third spot in the league as Manchester United and Liverpool come head to head at Anfield.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United come into the match with just one win in their last six fixtures. Manager John Craver has a tough task if he is to lead the club to a top half finish this season with just 9 games left to play. However playing at St. Jamesa Park will give their side a slight advantage and they will look to exploit an Arsenal side that is lacking confidence after their exit from the Europea s elite.
However Newcastle United will be without the services of Papis Cisse and Coloccini who remain suspended while Abeid, Tiote, S Taylor, De Jong, Dummett and Aarons remain unavailable due to injuries. With several key players missing, Newcastle United have a tough task ahead of them as they look to contain an Arsenal side that boasts of the presence of players like Sanchez, Ozil, Cazorla and Giroud. John Craver will be keen to not let Ozil and Cazorla dominate the proceedings in the midfield as the duo have the ability to finish off games with their innate passing skills.
Riviere is expected to lead the teama s attack with Cabella playing behind the striker and Obertan and Ameobi on the wings. Sissoko and Anita are likely to play in the midfield with Williamson, Janmaat, Colback and R Taylor in the defence.
Expected Starting Line-Up: Krul (GK); Williamson, Janmaat, Colback, R Taylor; Sissoko, Anita, Obertan, Ameobi, Cabella; Riviere
Arsenal
Still recovering from their Champions League exit against Moncao, Arsene Wenger will be hoping for a strong performance against a depleted Newcastle United in order to send across a strong message to Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United. Though Chelsea seems to be running away with the English Premeir League title, there is no reason why Arsenal and Manchester City shouldn’t chase Jose Mourinho to the finish line.
Arsene Wenger will miss the services of Arteta, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Diaby and Debuchy as he looks to take advantage against a weakened Newcastle side. In all likelihood Wenger will field a strong side at St Jamesa Park which means that Giroud will lead the attack, with Ozil playing behind him. Sanchez and Welbeck are expected to start on the wings with Cazorla and Coquelin playing in the midfield. Meanwhile Mertesacker and Koscielny are expected to start in the defence alongside Bellerin and Monreal.
Sanchez along with Ozil and Cazorla pulling the strings in the midfield will be crucial for Arsenal. The Gunners will look to dominate the game and out play Newcastle United with swift attacking football.
Expected Starting Eleven: Ospina (GK); Mertesacker, Koscielny, Bellerin, Monreal; Cazorla, Coquelin, Ozil, Sanchez, Welbeck; Giroud
Prediction
Newcastle United 0-2 Arsenal
Player To Watch Out For
Arsenala s leading scorer Sanchez remains the player to watch out for. The former Barcelona star has been instrumental in his debut season with Arsene Wenger and will be looked upon to guide the team to a top four finish as the season draws to an end.
Blast From The Past
