3 Key Battles (Newcastle United vs Arsenal)
After a valiant but ultimately doomed trip to Monaco, Arsenal travel to Newcastle on Saturday as they look to continue their five-game winning run in the Barclays Premier League. Although the Gunners out of Europe this season, Manchester City’s faltering form means that they stand a very good chance of even finishing second in the league this season.
The Magpies have won just one of their last five home games and will be looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats over Manchester United and Everton. Without their captain and their leading goal scorer, John Carver’s side might struggle to overturn their six-game losing run against the Gunners.
Here are the three key battles which will decide the outcome of this game.
1. Olivier Giroud vs Newcastle’s center backs
After a disastrous performance that saw him taken off in the first leg against Monaco, Giroud has scored four goals in his subsequent four starts and is only two behind Alexis Sanchez in terms of most league goals this season. While the 28-year-old can be hit-and-miss at times in front of goal, there is no denying his importance to the Gunners’ style of play.
Without the suspended Fabricio Coloccini, the Magpies might struggle to handle the in-form striker especially if they have to play the diminutive Vurnon Anita at center back. Injuries to Paul Dummett and Steven Taylor also don’t help the Magpies who haven’t keep a clean sheet in their last three home games against Arsenal. Mike Williamson will have to be on high alert if they are to have any chance of keeping the French striker quiet.