TyneTalk look forward to the Arsenal game

By Matthew Jones
February 8 2003

United must win this game in order to close the gap on Man U and Arsenal. Three less points for the league leaders, and three more for the challengers is excactly what Sir Bobby wants. Gary Speed returns to action, while back-up goalkeeper Steve Harper is suspended.

Newcastle vs Arsenal

Tyne Talk look ahead to tomorrow's game at St James' Park. Welsh midfielder, Gary Speed returns to always improving Newcastle side for the first time since undergoing a hernia operation. Steve Caldwell and Aaron Hughes are also fit to return after flu, whilst back-up goalkeeper Steve Harper is still suspended.

Despite still suffering from a groin injury, Ashley Cole will start for Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger's side, who dropped two points at Liverpool in their last match on the road, and were less than convincing in victory over Fulham last Saturday, are now under real pressure with Manchester United just three points behind and possibly equal on points by kick off time, should they win the derby with City which is due to finish just before this game starts.

Sylvain Wiltord scored Arsenal's 600th goal of Arsene Wenger's reign to win the reverse fixture in November. The Gunners are therefore on target to complete a fourth 'double' of the season, after home and away victories over West Brom, Birmingham and Fulham. It would also inflict on Newcastle a first 'double' reverse of the League campaign.

Two of the three leading contenders for the Barclaycard Golden Boot go head to head with Arsenal's Thierry Henry, scorer of 17 Premiership goals against Alan Shaerer, who has netted 14 times in the top divison.