One player who will not feature is Aaron Ramsey who suffered a knee problem in the West Ham game, offsetting that issue will be the return of Jack Wilshere from injury. The two game break could have done Jack some good as his form had dipped somewhat. Would it be a risk to throw Wilshere into a difficult away match after a two week break? Newcastle United are in very good form and will

It is almost as if I can still feel the anxiety of our last trip to Newcastle last season. A game of extreme high pressure that we managed to negotiate in our favour. Laurent Koscielny scored the all important winner and the Frenchman should be back in the team, leg wrapped up in sellotape, or something. His pace could be very important when facing Loric Remy in attack, a striker who has had a very positive season.

Like all the games in recent weeks, it is hard to know how much Arsene will rotate and in what position(s).

What seems to be true is that Arsene is not mass rotating in single games, preferring to do one here and there, possibly based on fatigue levels.

One player who will not feature is Aaron Ramsey who suffered a knee problem in the West Ham game, offsetting that issue will be the return of Jack Wilshere from injury. The two game break could have done Jack some good as his form had dipped somewhat. Would it be a risk to throw Wilshere into a difficult away match after a two week break? Newcastle United are in very good form and will fancy themselves against us. With Ramsey out, does Arsene rest Özil in a game where his final ball might be so important to us.

It is easier to say who I think will be nailed on to start.

Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Cazorla, Walcott.

I think the five others can come from many options we have available. Will Monreal come in to rest Gibbs? Is it a risk to bring in both Wilshere and Rosicky and give Özil a break? Is Podolski ready to start? He looked it to me but then again Arsene doesn’t like starting Giroud, Walcott and Podolski in the same team.

Oliver Giroud looks like he is lacking a bit of belief so Podolski could replace him but hasn’t proved to be an Arsenal striker as yet.

Not bad options, especially so when the narrative has been that we have no squad to speak of.

The one area that we are certainly short in is that of the central striking position so many eyes will be on who starts as the focal point this lunchtime. I don’t think I’d be surprised to see any of our options starting in that position. Bendtner was given a start against Hull City and scored. He came on at Manchester City and looked sharp so you never know.

Yesterday’s results did not go in our favour so a win would be fantastic at a difficult ground to go to. A win would be great for the mentality of the players. A way of putting our recent bad results behind us and starting a new run of 2 wins on the bounce.

I have my fingers crossed.

COYG.