Another weekend, another Saturday 3pm kick-off.
In addition to our extensive pre-match coverage of the game, we got our writers together for a short prediction on how they think the game will pan out.
And if you think we’re just going to throw these predictions out there and then forget about them, fear not.
We’ll be back to take a look at how we did and laughing at the person who got it wrong more than anyone else.
Lee Hurley Win 3-0
Arsenal respond to being knocked out the Champions League well, we have, after all, got plenty of practice with dealing with setbacks.
Newcastle are depleted and Arsenal are in a great run of form with 13 wins in their last 15 games.
The Magpies won’t be a pushover but I fancy we will see the same patient approach that has served Arsenal so well this season and in the end will make it comfortable for ourselves.
In seasons gone by this game would be a lot trickier than I’m expecting on Saturday.
Helen Trantum Win 5-0
Arsenal are finally back to playing some decent football and Newcastle have a defence held together by sticking plasters with pictures of unicorns on them.
They haven’t had a decent win under John Carver, and with the players seemingly mentally already in their flipflops (haha!) on the beach, there’s really only one outcome here.
Arsenal have won the last six consecutive fixtures, with Giroud scoring in four of the last five – I haven’t checked, perhaps he didn’t play in the other one!
I fancy Oli to get a hattrick and possibly a goal or two for Walcott if he does start – the full backs are certainly there for the taking!
These games are often quite high scoring, but I fancy a nice relaxing game to ease us into the international break. 5-0 Arsenal.
Stephen Bradley Win 4-1
Newcastle right now are like a pile-up on a motorway. You know you shouldn’t look, but you can’t help opening the window and having a peek as you drive by the wreckage at three miles an hour.
On Saturday, it’s our turn to have a look at how bad the carnage is. 13 fit players and a manager who has no idea if he’ll be in a job come the summer would indicate that they’re there for the taking.
And they are.
You just have to wonder how much losing in Monaco will have taken out of the team though. Yes, they won on the night, but going out on away goals will sting.
Despite this, I’m fully expecting an F-U performance here. A lot of players will be looking to take out some frustration on someone, and Newcastle are the perfect sacrificial lamb. 4-1 Arsenal.
Paul Williams Win 2-0
After a difficult birthing period, it seems that the 2014-15 version of Arsenal have turned a corner.
Twenty wins from twenty five matches are a testament not only to this group’s quality, but their consistency.
Although Newcastle away is usually a tricky fixture, I can’t see anything other than an Arsenal win. 2-0.
Sylvain Jamet Win 2-1
With the battle for the top four very tight, three points will be needed again. Newcastle are not in great form but it will be surely another tough away game. Some players who did not play in the Champions League should get a start. I expect a 2-1 win.
Lewis Ambrose Win 1-0
Newcastle are struggling badly and despite being disappointed in midweek we did win again – that’s 13 wins in 15 games.
John Carver said today he only has 13 senior players available.
Despite that, and their form, we’ve never been comfortable at St. James’ Park.
They’ve beaten Chelsea there this season and were recently unlucky to lose to Man United.
This one will be tricky.
Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal
Nia Griffiths Win 2-1
This should be a reasonably straight forward win.
We seem to have found our rhythm now and, after failing to progress further in the Champion’s League, we can mentally focus on the league and FA Cup now.
After losing 3-0 away to Everton last weekend, I suspect Newcastle will be more than happy to sit back and defend, aiming to hit us with a long ball over the top or counter.
Captain Fabricio Coloccini is out due to suspension, as is Papiss Cisse, and they’ve got a few injuries so I believe they’ll take a decidedly tentative approach, preferring to defend as a team rather than commit too many men forward.
However, matches away to Newcastle have been far from easy in the past so I’m not expecting a huge win.
2-1 to Arsenal.
Andi Foster Win 4-1
I’ve been the pessimist ever since we’ve started doing these predictions and from that I’ve probably got more results wrong than anyone else. St James Park has never been an easy place to go and play but Arsenal need a result to keep tracking a top three place.
With form on Arsenal’s side and the players buoyed by recent results this time I’ll be optimistic and go for a 4-1 win.
I’ll also go with a Welbz double.
Sean Ferguson N/A
Mark Fine Win 4-0
Newcastle are beat up on both sides of the ball, leading the Injury League by a big margin. United defeated them 1-0, Everton just beat them 3-0, and City out five past them. Could be 5-0 for us too, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt: 4-0 to the Arsenal.
Anita Sambol Win 2-0
We’re in a good form and I expect it to continue this weekend.
Newcastle aren’t looking too good, they only have 13 fit senior players from what I’ve read, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
Yes, our spirit might be low after going out of Champions League in midweek but I fully expect the team to react in best possible way – keeping third and getting even closer to second.
Arsenal win, 2-0.