Arsenal face Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday afternoon, looking for a win and a place in next season's Champions League. However, Arsene Wenger will have to be wary of north London rivals Tottenham, who face Sunderland at the same time.

If Arsenal fail to beat the Magpies and Andre Villas-Boas's side win at White Hart Lane, Tottenham will claim the final Champions League place - and ensure Arsenal fail to qualify for Europe's premier tournament for the first time under Arsene Wenger.

A slip-up against the Magpies, coupled with a win for André Villas-Boas, will mean an end to a string of consecutive Champions League appearances for the French manager.

Alan Pardew and Newcastle are safe from relegation, which will be a big relief given their form at different points this season. The reverse fixture finished with an embarrassing 7-3 victory for Arsenal, with Theo Walcott scoring a hat-trick and Olivier Giroud a brace.

Theo Walcott (C)
Reuters

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 4pm BST. Live telecast is on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD.

Overview

Newcastle beat QPR 2-1 in their last game, to secure a first win since early April when they beat Fulham 1-0 at home. Since then, they've lost two and drawn three of five games; the run includes a 6-0 thumping, at home, by Liverpool, and a 3-0 home defeat to Sunderland.

Home games, then, appear to trouble the Magpies. Statistically, Newcastle appear to have done reasonably well at home - they've won nine of 18 games so far. The problem is they've lost eight of the other nine.

Arsenal face a second successive last-day battle to qualify for the Champions League... and once again they fight north London rivals Tottenham. Last season, they beat West Brom to finish a point above Spurs and this season they need to beat Newcastle to do the same.

There is also the possibility the Gunners and Chelsea may be forced into a play-off to finish in third place, and ensure automatic Champions League qualification, depending on results between the Blues and Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal v Newcastle United, Premier League
Reuters

Arsene Wenger comes into this game with a 4-1 mauling of Wigan behind him and a run of eight wins in the last 10 games, including that superb 2-0 win over Champions League finalists Bayern Munich, which started this late season charge.

Team Form

Newcastle United

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W D L D L
  • Last Match: Queens Park Rangers 1 - 2 Newcastle United

Arsenal

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W D W D
  • Last Match: Arsenal 4 - 1 Wigan Athletic

Team News

Moussa Sissoko, Shola Ameobi and Ryan Taylor (all knee) are unavailable. Ivorian international Chiekh Tiote (hamstring) is a doubt. Defender Davide Santon (hamstring) is back in training but will probably only make the bench. Steven Taylor (illness) and Massadio Haidara (hamstring) could be ready for starts as well. Steve Harper starts in goal following an injury to Tim Krul (shoulder) and Rob Elliot's suspension.

Probable Line-Up: Harper; Debuchy, Coloccini, Williamson, Yanga-Mbiwa; Tiote, Cabaye; Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Gouffran; Cisse

France striker Olivier Giroud returns from suspension. Spain midfielder Mikel Arteta (calf) is unlikely to play, with youngster Aaron Ramsey an option. However, England international Jack Wilshere will probably partner Czech star Tomas Rosicky in midfield.

Probable Line-Up: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Wilshere, Rosicky; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud

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