Newcastle v Arsenal – Preview

So the Premier League is finally upon us – are you guys ready?

Well, I am, and having finished my exams yesterday, I’ll be able to watch the season opener without the pressure of having to study.

Speaking of pressure, what the Arsenal squad and especially Arsene Wenger are experiencing at present must be really difficult.

So this is what the media thinks about Arsenal:

1. The squad isn’t good enough

2. Wenger is paranoid.

3. They’re on the verge of losing their two best players.

4. Arsenal have been inactive in the transfer window

5. Liverpool will pip the Gunners to the fourth spot this season.

Well, this is what I think:

1. Arsenal lack experience, but the squad is extremely talented.

2. Wenger is the best manager in England along with Sir Alex Ferguson

3. Neither Cesc Fabregas nor Samir Nasri are Arsenal’s best players at the moment.

4. There are still 17 days left in the window and Arsenal will make more signings during this time.

5. Finally, this young Arsenal squad is better than the overpriced and hastily assembled Liverpool squad (no disrespect meant).

So what should we expect later this afternoon? How will both teams line-up? What’s the team news? Who are the key men to look out for? Well, let’s take a look.

Arsenal news:

Fabregas and Nasri have been left out of the squad, but RVP, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Walcott, Arshavin and Ramsey should all be fit and available for selection. Wilshere and Diaby are yet to return from their knocks.

Likely line-up:

Szczsney

Sagna     Koscielny     Vermaelan     Gibbs

Song     Ramsey     Rosicky

Walcott     Van Persie     Gervinho

Newcastle news:

Ben Arfa is still six weeks away from returning to action, while Jose Enrique has finally completed his move to Liverpool. Barton’s future still remains uncertain, but is likely to play a part in today’s game.

Likely line-up:

Krul

Simpson     Taylor     Coloccini     Ferguson

Tiote

Ba     Barton     Cabaye     Guttierez

Ameobi

Players to watch out for/Key men:

Gervinho:

The new Arsenal man is in line to make his Premier League debut and will be raring to go. He has been impressive during pre-season, which again proves Wenger’s transfer acumen. He will play a significant role in all of Arsenal’s offensive moves today and his explosiveness will make the Gunners possession football more dangerous.

Cheik Tiote:

He isn’t the most attractive player in the Newcastle line-up, but Tiote will have to be at his best if the Tyneside club want to get something out of this game. He plays in the holding midfield role and his job will be to disrupt Arsenal’s fluent football. Arsenal like to play a lot of their stuff just outside the opposition’s penalty area, and how Tiote screens his defenders will probably determine the outcome of this game. Do Arsenal fans need to be reminded of his 25-yard screamer last season?

Robin van Persie:

Van Persie has a chance to score for the 10th consecutive match away from home and will be keen to extend this individual record. Demba Ba will make his league debut for the Magpies, while Miyaichi might make a late appearance – and of course, expect a lot of goals. Now, what was the score line last time around? Oh that’s right, 4-4!!!

Prediction:

Newcastle have lost inspirational captain Kevin Nolan and Barton is having several issues with the management. Arsenal will be beginning life without Cesc and Nasri, but still have the quality to see off the Toon. Arsenal will concede, but I am sure they’ll score a handful.

ARSENAL 3-1 NEWCASTLE UNITED

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