Like I have already eluded to earlier, I expect Diaby to be a key figure in our performance. A player who can pull out an amazing piece of skill which will open up 10 yards of space and then misplace his next pass from five yards away. Usually the latter only happens when he is not quite up to speed and perhaps he isn’t at his sharpest yet but mistakes should be limited as his role maybe a little simplified

Not only am I looking forward to watching my team fighting for maximum points this afternoon in the North East, I am almost more excited about the prospect of changing the bloody David Moyes record that has been scratching on since Tuesday evening.

In another year we could have dropped points in that game and the feeling amongst Gooners today would not have been quite so relaxed as it is today.

The three points will put Arsenal in good stead to face the Geordies but it is more the manner of the victory in midweek that will make the players believe that they can leave St James’ Park with all three points.

Arsene Wenger will probably re-jig his team a little. One forced change is likely to take place in midfield. Alex Song limped out of the Everton game with a thigh problem. Whilst Denilson is fit enough for the squad, I suspect that Abou Diaby will form a new duel central partnership with Jack Wilshere ahead of our current available first choice defence.

It is a very interesting combination, both players are naturally forward thinking players and will have to communicate constantly during the 90 minutes so each player will know who will sit and who will push forward to find the killer pass to Cesc Fabregas.

Whilst Newcastle United haven’t won for six matches, the midfield will still have their hands full with the likes of Barton and Nolan around who are not shy of putting their foot in.

Squillaci will return from his one game suspension and you would expect the experienced Frenchman to start from the bench but if Koscielny is in need of a rest then that could be an option available to Arsene.

The other likely change will be Andrey Arshavin who was back amongst the goals and is generally looking sharper. He is likely to come in for Tomas Rosicky who is yet to find his start of the season form.

Sol Campbell could make a surprise start for Newcastle as their current center back Williamson is struggling with an injury and that could be very intriguing. Van Persie does not have the pace to worry Campbell but his technical qualities will pose the former Gunner a few problems.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

One to watch: Abou Diaby

Like I have already eluded to earlier, I expect Diaby to be a key figure in our performance. A player who can pull out an amazing piece of skill which will open up 10 yards of space and then misplace his next pass from five yards away. Usually the latter only happens when he is not quite up to speed and perhaps he isn’t at his sharpest yet but mistakes should be limited as his role maybe a little simplified

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

Newcastle United 1 Arsenal 3 (Arshavin, Cesc, Van Persie)

Any victory will do today as it is vitally important that we keep up our run of league victories. I hope to see Cesc Fabregas back amongst the goals again. His last goal in the league from open play was back at the end of December against Chelsea. He has been getting into goal scoring positions but hasn’t been able to execute the finish. With the likes of Van Persie and Arshavin around him then he will continue to get chances, hopefully he can take them and I back him to score today.