Arsenal v Newcastle - Reloaded

Tuesday, 29 January 08, 10:18 AM · Comments(0)

Having been vanquished in the FA Cup on Saturday, Kevin Keegan's men return to the Emirates Stadium in what will probably be a much changed encounter, in terms of both personnel and tactics.

Keegan has struggled to provide any kind of attacking impetus, which is what he's known for. Granted, it's only been two games, but all they've managed is a single, solitary shot on goal.

They passed well enough against Arsenal on Saturday, before being taken apart after Adebayor scored the first, but that was a cup-tie, and the league will be different, because there are points at stake.

So it remains to be seen whether Keegan will ditch his attacking mindset and come in an go with a 4-5-1 and try to battle for some kind of result. After all, he wouldn't want his comeback to have ended before it's even begun.

Arsenal will change a few personnel around - Theo Walcott and Justin Hoyte both started at the weekend, and I expect them to be rested. Almunia will return as well. With injuries to Rosicky and Van Persie, I don't expect too many changes elsewhere in the side. Theo will feature as a sub, but might even be in contention to come in for Hleb.

GK: Almunia

RB: Sagna
CB: Gallas
CB: Senderos
LB: Clichy

RM: Hleb/Theo
CM: Cesc
CM: Flamini
LM: Diaby

ST: Adebayor
ST: Eduardo

As for Newcastle, they always have ever-changing team news, but today's lineup should look almost exactly like the one at the weekend (4-4-2):
GK: Given, RB: Carr, CB: Taylor, CB: Rozehnal, LB: Enrique, RM: Milner, CM: Butt, CM: N'Zogbia, LM: Duff, ST: Owen, ST: Smith

There's not too many changes that Kevin can make, but Rozehnal might be better equipped to handle Ade's aerial threat. They will probably start Smith, because he grafts and can drop deep to make it a 4-5-1 when needed, but if not then Viduka will have some part to play after returning from injury.