Preview: Arsenal vs. Newcastle United

When they lost 3-0 away at Everton earlier this month, fourth place and qualification for next season's Champions League was taken out of Arsenal's hands.

However, since then, the pendulum has swung back their way with three matches left to play, starting with Newcastle United's visit to the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening.

Manager Arsene Wenger should be able to call upon captain Thomas Vermaelen following a hamstring complaint and with Kieran Gibbs ruled out with a hamstring injury of his own, the returning Belgian may fill in at left-back. Long-term absentees Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Serge Gnabry will also miss out.

As for Newcastle, Moussa Sissoko has returned to training in recent days and could feature, while Loic Remy and Mathieu Debuchy have been tipped to earn recalls from boss Alan Pardew.

However, injuries will prevent strikers Papiss Cisse and Luuk de Jong from turning out in North London.

The visiting Magpies have won away at Arsenal four times during the Premier League era, the last of which was achieved back in 2010 when Andy Carroll scored the only goal of the game.

Recent form

Arsenal: DDLDWW

Newcastle: WLLLLL

Possible starting lineups

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Arteta, Ramsey; Cazorla, Ozil, Podolski; Giroud

Newcastle: Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett; Anita, Tiote, Sissoko, Gosling, Gouffran; Remy

Sports Mole says: 2-0