Newcastle vs Arsenal: Premier League match preview

A chance for Arsenal to put their Champions League disappointment behind them

Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring Arsenal’s opening goal against West Ham (Getty)

Had the club not so idly tossed away points in the first half of the season, Arsenal could well have been on course for a first Premier League title in 11 seasons this May. With eight wins in their last ten Premier League fixtures, the Gunners have surged to within a point of second-placed Manchester City and will be looking to put their midweek Champions League exit behind them with a continuance of their winning habit at St James’ Park.

The mood on Tyneside has turned stale following John Carver’s appointment, with the club winning just two of his eleven fixtures in charge - and scoring just one goal in the last four games. With Newcastle having lost their last six fixtures against this weekend’s opposition, the mood is not one of optimism as they welcome Alexis Sanchez and Co to St James’ Park.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm.

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Arsenal (Giroud 2, Cazorla 2) 4-1 Newcastle (Perez), Premier League, December 2014

Arsenal (Koscielny, Ozil, Giroud) 3-0 Newcastle, Premier League, April 2014

Newcastle 0-1 (Giroud) Arsenal, Premier League, December 2013

ODDS: Newcastle 5/1 Draw 14/5 Arsenal 4/7

STATS...

Newcastle have beaten Arsenal just twice in their last 30 meetings in all competitions.

Olivier Giroud has scored six goals in 272 minutes of Premier League football against today’s opponents.

Arsenal have scored three goals or more against Newcastle in 9 of their last 14 meetings.

CLASSIC MATCH...

Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal - 2011

Cheick Tiote lifted the roof of the stadium when he smashed in a 25 yard piledriver in the dying moments to complete the most memorable comeback in Premier League history. With the Gunners having led 3-0 after ten minutes and 4-0 at the break, the Magpies rallied to produce a stunning comeback to salvage a thrilling 4-4 draw.

TV: MOTD, BBC1 - 10.20pm