Premier League Preview: Newcastle - Arsenal
Arsene Wenger’s side is bidding to secure a spot in Europe’s elite competition for a 16th successive season, with third place still not out of the equation if Chelsea slips up.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has a host of injury and suspension troubles ahead of his side's season finale with Champions League-chasing Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Midfielder Cheikh Tiote (hamstring) was forced off early in the win over QPR last time out, but is expected to be fit to start. However, fellow enforcer Moussa Sissoko, striker Shola Ameobi and defender Ryan Taylor (all knee) are out.
Davide Santon (hamstring) is back in training and could come back into contention, whilst Steven Taylor (illness) and Massadio Haidara (hamstring) could also return to the first-team squad.
Goalkeeper Steve Harper, who has been with the club since 1993, will play his last game at St. James' Park as Tim Krul (shoulder) is unavailable and Rob Elliot serves a one-match ban after seeing red at QPR last time out.
Arsene Wenger could be without the influential Mikel Arteta (calf) for the do-or-die clash with the Mapgpies after the Spanish midfielder picked up a knock late on in Tuesday’s win over Wigan.
The Gunners boss has few other injury problems to contend with, however, with long-term absentee Abou Diaby (knee) the only other player definitely out.
Jack Wilshere, who will have surgery on an ankle problem at the end of the season, could return to the heart of midfield, whilst France striker Olivier Giroud is available for selection after completing a three match ban.
Midfielder Cheikh Tiote (hamstring) was forced off early in the win over QPR last time out, but is expected to be fit to start. However, fellow enforcer Moussa Sissoko, striker Shola Ameobi and defender Ryan Taylor (all knee) are out.
Davide Santon (hamstring) is back in training and could come back into contention, whilst Steven Taylor (illness) and Massadio Haidara (hamstring) could also return to the first-team squad.
Goalkeeper Steve Harper, who has been with the club since 1993, will play his last game at St. James' Park as Tim Krul (shoulder) is unavailable and Rob Elliot serves a one-match ban after seeing red at QPR last time out.
Arsene Wenger could be without the influential Mikel Arteta (calf) for the do-or-die clash with the Mapgpies after the Spanish midfielder picked up a knock late on in Tuesday’s win over Wigan.
The Gunners boss has few other injury problems to contend with, however, with long-term absentee Abou Diaby (knee) the only other player definitely out.
Jack Wilshere, who will have surgery on an ankle problem at the end of the season, could return to the heart of midfield, whilst France striker Olivier Giroud is available for selection after completing a three match ban.
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