Ah, match previewing has to start somewhere. Let's lead with
a moment of lucidity from M. Wenger. Next stop,
the Guardian (note that they've ceased giving away chalkboards, no doubt for "austerity" reasons, but Electric Cornflakes provides reason enough to visit the site once a week).
Assuming that the Guardian is correct about those teams, the positional battles are:
Central midfield: Tiote & Cabaye against Song & Arteta & Rosicky - honestly, this only looks even at 2 vs. 3. If Rosicky tries sitting between the lines he won't see much of the ball. Song's task will be particularly difficult. While Ramsey's return gives Wenger a combative substitute, I don't fancy the Welshman stamping his mark on the game against Tiote.
Newcastle's left: Jonas & Santon against Sagna & Walcott. It looks like Pardew will set up his left to hold off Arsenal's main attacking zone, and it doesn't look too bad.
Newcastle's right: HBA & Simpson against Gibbs & Oxlade-Chamberlain. This will probably break down into one on ones. It's difficult to predict - the Ox is a great prospect, but has not been playing at a high level for very long. I think Ben Arfa will tend to get the better of Gibbs.
Newcastle's defence: Coloccini & Williamson against RVP & Rosicky. Barring a masterclass by his countryman, the Dutch striker is going to score. The question is, "how many?"
Newcastle's attack: Ba & Cisse against Koscielny & Vermaelen. Again, I think the question is not, "will they score?" but "how many will it be?".
Hislop's law: It's all about the goal-keeper. Krul is better than Szczesny, and his fans find it easier to spell his name, too!
I say: Newcastle to edge it in an action-packed game. Controversy guaranteed, manager shouting-match likely. Final score 2-3.