Jak Alnwick to start in goal against Arsenal

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has confirmed that Jak Alnwick will start in goal against Arsenal on Saturday.

Alnwick, 21, came on at half time for the injured Rob Elliot in the game against league leaders Chelsea with the score locked at 0-0. Newcastle went on to shock the Blues, winning 2-1, with the youngster playing a huge part in the victory.

Pardew confirmed that Elliot will be out injured for the next "six or seven games", while first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul is sidelined with an ankle injury.

"Jak Alnwick will start in goal at Arsenal and we wish him well," Pardew told reporters.

"Arsenal has not been a happy hunting ground for us in recent years. The games at St James' Park have been tight and we hope this one is too. Arsene Wenger has done an unbelievable job at Arsenal and in some ways their stadium should be named after him."

With third-choice Alnwick starting, Pardew also confirmed that 17-year-old keeper Freddie Woodman would be named among the replacements.