Arsenal vs. Newcastle - The Big Preview

Arsenal have their noses in front going into the new year in this most unpredictable of seasons and have their best chance of winning the title in years.

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However, they'll need to avoid too many more slip-ups like the one at Southampton on Boxing Day, and won't necessarily find this a straightforward encounter.

Newcastle have shown they are capable of raising their game against some of the better sides despite their own lowly league position.

Our Prediction - 3-0 - Leave yours as comments below!

The Last 5 - Arsenal

Premier League - Arsenal 2-0 Bournemouth

Premier League - Southampton 4-0 Arsenal

Premier League - Arsenal 2-1 Man City

Premier League - Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal

Champions League - Olympiakos 0-3 Arsenal

The Last 5 - Newcastle

Premier League - West Brom 1-0 Newcastle

Premier League - Newcastle 0-1 Everton

Premier League - Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa

Premier League - Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

Premier League - Newcastle 2-0 Liverpool

Stat Attack

- Arsenal have won the last eight meetings between the sides.

- Newcastle have tasted victory in just three of their last 29 Premier League meetings with Arsenal (D8, L18).

- The sides' only previous meeting on 2 January came in 1996 when Kevin Keegan's Newcastle went seven points clear at the top of the table after beating Arsenal 2-0 at St James' Park, with the late Pavel Srnicek in goal. Arsene Wenger took over at Arsenal six months later.

- Newcastle didn't manage a single shot on target when they were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at St James' Park earlier this season.

- Eighteen goals have been scored in the last three Premier League meetings between the sides at the Emirates.

Teams News - Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini could play after a minor ankle injury.

Alexis Sanchez remains out but is nearing a first-team return, while Jack Wilshire and Santi Cazorla are amongst a host of other absentees.

Teams News - Newcastle

Newcastle will be without midfielder Vernon Anita due to a hamstring injury.

Goalkeeper Rob Elliot is battling to be fit after a stomach bug and Rolando Aarons and Emmanuel Riviere are both back in training but, like Arsenal, the Magpies' injury list remains lengthy.

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