Arsenal host Newcastle United at the Emirates on Saturday in what is an important game for both sides for very different reasons.

The hosts are top of the league (on goal difference) and they will be looking to consolidate that lead by beating Newcastle United and hoping Leicester City drop points against Bournemouth.

The Gunners comfortably defeated Bournemouth on Monday to bounce back from a 4-0 loss at Southampton the previous Saturday, and are now poised to take all three points but they need to be wary of their visitors who are desperate for points to climb out of the relegation zone.

The Magpies have lost their last two matches and are placed 18th on the table with 17 points after the first half of the season. Steve McClaren will be hoping his side can shake off the last defeat at West Brom and pull off an upset at the Emirates come Saturday just like West Ham did on the opening day.

Previous meetings will make for a grim reading for the 54-year-old though with Newcastle having lost the last eight league games between the sides.

Team News

Arsene Wenger rested some of his key players against Bournemouth but we could see most of the lot back in the side by the time the team sheets are released.

Laurent Koscielny should return to partner Per Mertesacker in defense while Nacho Monreal and Joel Campbell could also make their return to the starting XI. Alexis Sanchez is unlikely to be risked for this fixture.

Newcastle United are riddled with injuries with 11 players ruled out of Saturday’s fixture.

Cheick Tiote should replace Vurnon Anita in the Magpies midfield after the Dutchman picked up a hamstring injury in the last match while Rob Elliot could also return to the lineup if he manages to overcome his illness in time.

Predicted Lineup