Arsenal, Newcastle In Grudge Match

[Folami David]

Exactly a year to the day since losing 7-3 at Arsenal, resurgent Newcastle United can move into the top four of the Premier League if they exact revenge for that painful defeat at St James' Park on Sunday.
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The Gunners head to the north-east to face Alan Pardew's in-form side as league leaders after winning 3-1 at West Ham United on Thursday.
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Newcastle's 5-1 demolition of nine-man Stoke City on Boxing Day was their eighth win from their last 10 league games and Pardew expects a cracking encounter.
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"Arsenal are top of the league. That is deserved as they have been the best team in the first half of the season, but we are in great shape, our place will be rocking and rolling and Arsenal know it won't be easy to turn us over," he said.
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Arsenal ended a run of three league games without a win with a come from behind victory at Upton Park to revive their title hopes as the closest race for years keeps up its relentless pace through the Christmas and New Year holidays.
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The season reaches the halfway mark this weekend with Arsenal top with 39 points from 18 games, with eight teams still harbouring hopes of either a push for the title or the top four.
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Manchester City are just a point behind the Gunners on 38, followed by Chelsea (37), Liverpool (36), Everton (34), Newcastle (33), Manchester United (31) and Tottenham Hotspur (31).
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Arsenal were boosted by the return of long-term absentee Lukas Podolski at West Ham and the German marked his comeback with a goal to seal the win.
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The league leaders suffered a big blow, however, after Aaron Ramsey, their outstanding player this season, suffered a thigh injury.
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"It looks serious, the Christmas period is certainly over for him but I don't know how long he will be out," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
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If Arsenal should falter at Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea or Liverpool could all go top.

[Shola Sholaz]

I want a draw in that game. If only that can happen it would make my christmas complete. A draw will be just fine.

[Folami David]

Arsenal vs Newcastle will most likely end in a stalemate. That's my prediction for the game.

[femifemzy3]

It is a match i'll like to watch because both teams need all three points before January.

[Nifemi Donald]

Arsenal has scored one alreday so the revenge may nt happen at the end of the match. They are not defending well at all Newcastle.