Newcastle United vs Arsenal Preview-Prediction Starting Line Up

The Starting Line Up Newcastle United vs Arsenal Preview.
This is the preview and starting line up prediction of Newcastle United vs Arsenal match. The Magpies are without striker Shola Ameobi, who fractured a cheekbone against Fulham in midweek and looks set to be out for six weeks.

Ameobi's absence along with the sale of Andy Carroll leaves manager Alan Pardew very short of striking options, with Nile Ranger, Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands the only three fit forwards to choose from.

Cheick Tiote returns from suspension and will start in the centre of midfield alongside Kevin Nolan, with Danny Guthrie likely to drop to the bench.

Alan Smith is out for the rest of the season whilst Dan Gosling, Steven Taylor, Hatem Ben Arfa and new signing Stephen Ireland are still a few weeks away from fitness.

Possible starting XI: Harper; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique; Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez; Best, Ranger.

Arsene Wenger will be unable to call on the services of Alex Song after the midfielder was forced to come off at half-time in Tuesday night's victory over Everton.

Abou Diaby replaced the defensive midfielder and looks set to start as Arsenal attempt to keep the pressure on Manchester United at St James' Park.

Theo Walcott also picked up a knock against Everton, but the England winger has shrugged off his ankle problem and will start on Saturday.

Samir Nasri remains out with a hamstring problem and Thomas Vermaelen is still a long way away from fitness with his never-ending Achilles problem.

Possible starting XI: Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy; Fabregas, Song, Wilshere; Walcott, Van Persie, Arshavin.