Newcastle United v Arsenal

Newcastle are hoping to keep back-to-back Premier League clean sheets for the first time since November

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko may return from a groin problem, while Daryl Janmaat is available after serving a ban last weekend.

The Magpies could hand a first Premier League start to Florian Thauvin, who impressed in midweek.

Arsenal may again be without Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker because of injury and illness respectively.

Koscielny, who has a back problem, is the more likely of the two to play, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere remain sidelined by injury.

MOTD COMMENTATOR’S NOTES

Steve Bower: "Arsene Wenger has described Arsenal's start as "very average" and, having watched Newcastle show renewed defensive spirit at Old Trafford, they will have to rise above that standard to get a result at St James' Park.

"Newcastle will take belief from their performance last weekend as they try to record their first league win under Steve McClaren, though they will be wary of Arsenal's obvious threat when they do click going forward.

"The Gunners haven't had many recent issues away from home, or over the last few years against Newcastle. They won't want Petr Cech in the news again this week – they need the headlines at the other end of the pitch."

Twitter: @SteveBowercomm

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "Maybe we are not firing on all cylinders at the moment. By definition, finishing is a little bit cyclical and it goes in cycles.

"Teams come and defend very deep at our home… at the moment we want it so much at home that we're trying to force it a little bit.

"Our results away from home, with goalscoring opportunities and our finishing percentage, has been higher recently."

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Arsenal have won their last seven games against Newcastle, scoring 20 goals and conceding just six.
• The Magpies' last home win against the Gunners was in December 2005, when Nolberto Solano got the only goal.
• Newcastle have won three of their last 28 league games against Arsenal – and each of those victories came when the Gunners had a player sent off.

Newcastle United

• The Magpies could keep back-to-back Premier League clean sheets for the first time since November 2014.
• They have won one of their last seven top-flight home games (D2, L4) and just two of 11 in 2015 (D4, L5).
• They could remain winless in their opening four Premier League matches for the second consecutive season.
• Papiss Cisse is one short of 100 Premier League appearances.

Arsenal

• Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League away games, winning six of those matches – yet they have claimed just one victory in their last six at home.
• The Gunners have failed to score in five of their last nine league games.
• Arsenal's tally of 40 shots this season (excluding blocked efforts) is the joint highest in the division – but their return of two goals is the joint lowest.
• Olivier Giroud has scored eight goals in six games against Newcastle, including four in his last two.