Arsenal vs Newcastle United predicted line-ups

Arsenal will try to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League this afternoon, at home to Newcastle United, with help from a relaxed and refreshed Mesut Ozil.

“We have to rise above that and show that we can deal with all that and I believe we have to be guided by playing better football and being a real team in every game and show that we can be competitive”. Wenger put that down in part to the fact that both his alternative No 10s, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla, are injured.

‘The Premier League is very tight and if you go into the decisive game and if you rest players, the other players think subconsciously, they don’t tell you, but they think: ‘Why?’ Even the player himself’.

Wenger’s men sit top of the table at the midway stage – leading Leicester City on goal difference while enjoying a three-point gap to Manchester City in third amid an unpredictable top-flight campaign.

“I am putting up with it and trying to stay mentally strong, but it’s true that sometimes it’s more hard than at other times, when in your mind things are complicated”.

However, with Cisse visiting a London specialist for a second opinion on his groin injury and Riviere just back in training after a long-term knee problem, McClaren has little option. “The finish [against Bournemouth] was class”.

“They can, of course”, he replied when asked if England could win the tournament.

But I don’t rule England out, but you are not the first favourites.

“We don’t want to look ahead of ourselves but we have a history of ending the season well”, he said.

“I believe that we are mature enough and that we have the requested quality to fight and compete”.

“Obviously it always takes time when you come into a new team and new environment to get the balance right but everyone knows his strength and he is fitting in now”.

However, Arsenal continue to have an injury hex around them and have key players on the sidelines now.

“We have confidence and it is just flowing out there”.