English FA CUP
2008-01-26 - Arsenal vs Newcastle United
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
FA Cup 4th Round
Emirates Stadium, London
Kickoff 15:00 GMT
THE GAME
Arsenal and Newcastle face off in a 4th round FA Cup tie, just four days before the two sides meet here again in the Premier League.
Arsenal suffered a heavy defeat in midweek in the Carling Cup - but it was very much a mixed side as manager Arsene Wenger perservered with his youth policy in this trophy.
So Arsenal should have their full strength side on display for this match against a Newcastle side that is riding an emotional roller coaster this season.
While the appointment of King Kev was joyfully received it quikcly became clear that it is going to take Keegan some time before he can turn Newcastle into winners.
The honeymoon period was over before it began with the mundane 0-0 draw with Bolton - which exposed the size of the job ahead.
Newcastle have only won once in their last eight games - and that was against lower league opposition.
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal : Defenders Philippe Senderos and Gael Clichy are available for the FA Cup fourth round clash with Newcastle.
But young brazilian Denilson is out for a month with a hamstring injury while Johan Djourou (groin) and Robin van Persie (thigh) remain in the treatment room.
Newcastle : The visitors welcome back midfielders Nicky Butt and Alan Smith from suspension, but Emre is still out. Striker Mark Viduka remains a major doubt with a calf problem and Joey Barton is unavailable.
HEAD TO HEAD
Arsenal have a very good recent record in London against Newcastle - including a 2-0 win earlier this season in the Carling Cup.
25-09-2007 Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle United (Carling Cup)
18-11-2006 Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle United
14-08-2005 Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle United
23-01-2005 Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle United
26-09-2003 Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle United
09-11-2003 Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle United
23-03-2002 Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United (FA Cup)
THE VERDICT
The FA Cup is seen as an important trophy by both clubs - so we should see full-strength lineups sent out by the managers.
Recent form (Carling Cup excluded) does point to Arsenal running out winners in this fixture.
The Pick :
Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle
