FA Cup - Fourth Round

Preview
Arsenal versus Newcastle United

It is going to be an interesting match when Arsenal receive the visit of Newcastle United in this 4th Round tie of the FA Cup. Earlier this season Nicklas Bendtner scored twice to dump the Geordies out of the Carling Cup in our 2-0 win.

Things have changed a bit since that night. Big Sam Allardyce had departed and was replaced by Toons' favourite Kevin Keegan, taking charge of United for the second time in his managerial career.

With the elimination from the Carling Cup by local rivals Tottenham Hotsp*ds in midweek still fresh on his mind, Arsene Wenger would take this opportunity to restore morale to the Gunners ranks by dumping Newcastle out from the cup.

Although, it is easier said than done with a growing injury list and unavailability of key players away at the African Nations' Cup right now. However, Wenger would be able to call upon Gael Clichy and Phillipe Senderos again to form the back-line with skipper William Gallas and right-back Bacary Sagna.

With Robin Van Persie still unavailable, it seems the partnership of Manu Adebayor and Eduardo again will feature with Alex Hleb and Tomas Rosicky providing the width and support from the flanks.

As usual, Cesc Fabregas is expected to be the focal point for our creativity and the cover to the back-line would be provided by the reliable Matt Flamini. Jens Lehmann who turned down a move to his native Germany last week is expected to man the posts.

Probable line-up: Lehmann; Sagna, Clichy, Gallas, Senderos; Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Rosicky; Adebayor, Eduardo

...