Arsenal is well-rested and has a chance to jump back into the top five in the table when they take on struggling Newcastle United.
Arsenal did not play Wednesday due to a strike and have a game in hand on the three teams ahead of them. With 30 points, Arsenal is in seventh place but that could change in a hurry as three teams are currently tied for fourth with 33 points. After struggling throughout November and early December, Arsene Wenger's crew seems to be turning things around. They have now won three straight including a 1-0 win last weekend over Wigan Athletic. The performance was not ideal from Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta's penalty goal in the 60th minute was all Arsenal's solid defense needed to earn three points. With only 18 goals allowed in 18 matches, Arsenal currently has the fourth best defense in the league.
Their opponents on Saturday will be a struggling Newcastle. The team has lost three of their last four including a crushing 4-3 loss on Wednesday to Manchester United. Newcastle's James Perch scored just four minutes in to give the squad a 1-0 lead.They gave up a goal in the 25th but regained the lead off a fortunate own goal from Manchester's Jonathan Evans. They gave up another goal in the 58th, but Papiss Demba Cisse gave them back the lead in the 68th. Manchester's Robin Van Persie scored three minutes later. Newcastle seemed on their way to earn a point when a 90th minute goal from Javier Hernandez took all of the points away from them.
Predictions: This will be a tough match for Arsenal, but they should win. 2-1 Arsenal.
Start Time: 12:30 PM EST
TV Info: Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Deportes (Repeat Broadcasts on Dec. 29 and Dec. 31 at 11 PM on the Fox Soccer Channel)
Radio: TalkSport Radio