Newcastle United will be aiming to register their first victory in the Barclays Premier League 2015-16 when they will host Arsenal at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners, meanwhile, will be looking to secure their second win following a slow start to the new campaign.
Overview:
The Magpies began their campaign with back-to-back defeats at the hands of Southampton and Swansea City respectively but managed to take some confidence with impressive performance in a goalless draw against Manchester United at the Old Trafford and an empathic 4-1 win over Northampton Town in the League Cup.
They looked a well-organized outfit against the Red Devils. Tim Krul made eight saves and skipper Fabricio Coloccini produced an impressive performance at the heart of defence as Magpies dominated over the 20-time Premier League champions most of the game.
In Northampton clash at St James’ Park, several Newcastle players drew the attention while making their first appearance in the season. New signing Florian Thauvin in particular caught the eye after scoring the opener and recording three assists.
Arsenal, on the other hand, suffered -0 defeat to West Ham Untied in the opening game and were held to a 0-0 draw by Arsenal in the next outing.
It was an underwhelming start by the Gunners who began the tournament as genuine title contenders. However, they performed impressively against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last time out and registered a 2-1 win.
For Arsene Wenger, a major headache will be his team’s poor form at home, where they have failed to score in five of their six league games.
Team News:
Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko is doubtful for the game because of a groin strain.
Thauvin is expected to earn his first Premier League start while Papiss Cisse is also set to make a comeback after illness to spearhead the attack.
Daryl Janmaat is also likely to return after serving his one-match suspension.
The Gunners’ center-backs Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are doubtful for the game because of illness and a back injury respectively.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott will be both in line for a place among the substitutes for the visiting side.
Possible Starting Line Ups:
Newcastle:
Coloccini, Taylor, Krul; Janmaat, Perez, Obertan; Colback, Wijnaldum, Haidara; Anita, Cisse
Arsenal:
Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Ramsey, Ozil, Cech; Bellerin; Cazorla; Sanchez; Giroud
