Premier League: Newcastle vs Arsenal match preview

A look ahead of this week’s fixture at St James’s Park

Theo Walcott celebrates after scoring for Arsenal in their match against West Ham (GETTY IMAGES)

The Premier League is no stranger to high scoring games this season. With Newcastle coming off the back of a Boxing Day treat, in the form of an impressive 5-1 win over a nine man Stoke side, and the Gunners being shown the ropes as City managed to bag six against them at the Etihad last weekend, viewers can certainly hope for a repeat of what happened exactly a year ago.

On December 29 2012 Arsene Wenger’s side beat the Magpies 7-3, after a Theo Walcott hat-trick and two late goals from Olivier Giroud helped to seal the victory. Walcott will be looking to repeat his impressive performance and add to his double on Thursday against West Ham.

Newcastle head into this fixture with confidence, with the return of Cheick Tiote giving them a helping hand, however they will have to be wary of an on-form Arsenal who will be eager to hold on to the top spot in the Premier League. Manager Arsene Wenger will have to do without Welsh international Aaron Ramsey, who has had a brilliant first half of the season, but unfortunately picked up a thigh injury midweek.

Jack Wilshere returns to the Gunners after his suspension and experienced midfielder Tomas Rosicky also looks likely to be available after he was unavailable on Thursday. Meanwhile, Toon fans will be keen for their side to put in a strong performance to boost their top four chances going into 2014.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Newcastle 0 Arsenal 1 (Koscielny) Premier League, May 2013

Arsenal 7 (Walcott 3, Giroud 2, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski) Newcastle 3 (Ba 2, Marveaux) Premier League, December 2012

Arsenal 2 (Van Persie, Vermaelen) Newcastle 1 (Ben Arfa) Premier League, March 2012

STATS:

Yoan Gouffran has scored in five consecutive Premier League home games for Newcastle United.

Alongside Tottenham, Arsenal have won the most points away from home in the Premier League this season (19).

Newcastle have won just one of their last 12 Premier League games against Arsenal (W1, D5, L6).

Newcastle have won seven of their last nine games.

ODDS:

Newcastle to win: 4

Arsenal to win: 1.95

Draw: 3.6

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 1:30pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10:25pm