Newcastle v Arsenal preview: Gunners defenders doubtful

Newcastle are still chasing their first Premier League win under new boss Steve McClaren as they prepare for the visit of Arsenal on Saturday.

McClaren steered the Magpies to victory in the Capital One Cup in midweek, beating Northampton 4-1 at home, after holding Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford last weekend.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have just one win from their opening three Premier League games ahead of the trip to St James' Park.

Team news

Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren will make a late decision on midfielder Moussa Sissoko. The France international has missed the last two games with a groin problem, but returned to training this week.

Striker Papiss Cisse is also back in contention after missing their midweek cup tie, while full-back Daryl Janmaat will hope for a return to league action after serving his one-match ban and new signing Florian Thauvin is in the running for a first league start.

Arsenal could travel to Newcastle without Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny for their lunchtime clash. Mertesacker, battling a chest infection, and Koscielny, struggling with a back problem, both missed Arsenal's goalless draw against Liverpool on Monday night.

Danny Welbeck (knee) and Jack Wilshere (leg) are set to return after the international break but will both miss the trip to St James' Park. Tomas Rosicky remains a longer-term absentee after knee surgery.

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Stats

Olivier Giroud has scored eight goals in six Premier League apps against Newcastle United; more than versus any other team.

Giroud has scored five headed goals against Newcastle from just five headers on target attempted.

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Arsenal are unbeaten in the last nine Premier League games against Newcastle (W7 D2).

Newcastle have won just three of the last 28 Premier League meetings with Arsenal, though the Gunners had a player sent off on each of these three occasions.

Arsenal have scored the joint fewest goals (2) despite having the joint most shots (40, excl. blocked).

Merson's prediction

Arsenal have got injury problems and Newcastle will have a right go at them. It's another must-win for the Gunners. I'm going for a 2-1 win to Arsenal but it will be a hard game without Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

Olivier Giroud did not get the service the other night and Liverpool played against his strengths. When Arsenal got the ball in the box it was down low, he's good with his head. I think they do need a forward before the window closes.

Newcastle will be alright, I like Steve McClaren and he'll bring some form of stability, but not overnight.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)

Betting

Sky Bet make Arsenal odds-on shots to claim all three points with the Magpies 5/1 and the draw available at 3/1.  The Gunners have won seven of the last eight league meetings between the sides, beating them by a single goal in three of the last four matches at St James' Park. Arsene Wenger's men are 11/4 to win by one goal and 7/1 to repeat last season's 2-1 victory. Olivier Giroud scored a brace in that fixture and is 4/1 to repeat that feat, while Aleksandar Mitrovic is 8/1 to net the opener for the hosts.