3 Key Battles (Newcastle United vs Arsenal): Can Newcastle’s Defence Stop Giroud?

3 Key Battles (Newcastle United vs Arsenal)

After a valiant but ultimately doomed trip to Monaco, Arsenal travel to Newcastle on Saturday as they look to continue their five-game winning run in the Barclays Premier League. Although the Gunners out of Europe this season, Manchester City’s faltering form means that they stand a very good chance of even finishing second in the league this season.

The Magpies have won just one of their last five home games and will be looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats over Manchester United and Everton. Without their captain and their leading goal scorer, John Carver’s side might struggle to overturn their six-game losing run against the Gunners.

Here are the three key battles which will decide the outcome of this game.

1. Olivier Giroud vs Newcastle’s center backs

After a disastrous performance that saw him taken off in the first leg against Monaco, Giroud has scored four goals in his subsequent four starts and is only two behind Alexis Sanchez in terms of most league goals this season. While the 28-year-old can be hit-and-miss at times in front of goal, there  is no denying his importance to the Gunners’ style of play.

Without the suspended Fabricio Coloccini, the Magpies might struggle to handle the in-form striker especially if they have to play the diminutive Vurnon Anita at center back. Injuries to Paul Dummett and Steven Taylor also don’t help the Magpies who haven’t keep a clean sheet in their last three home games against Arsenal. Mike Williamson will have to be on high alert if they are to have any chance of keeping the French striker quiet.

2. Moussa Sissoko vs Aaron Ramsey

With both sides expected to play a 4-2-3-1, the midfield battle is one that will catch the eye. With Jack Colback and Francis Coquelin operating primarily as defensive midfielders, Sissoko and Ramsey will go head-to-head in a battle that will go a long way in deciding which side can win the midfield battle which will be crucial in this game.

Although he is only returning back from injury, his goal against Monaco showed that the Welsh midfielder isn’t a long way away from his best. Arsene Wenger will be counting on the 24-year-old to get the better of his opposite number, who has been Newcastle’s player of the season so far. Sissoko’s pace and energy from midfield has been the cornerstone of the Magpies’ success this season and the home supporters will be hoping that he can get the better of Ramsey and turn the game in their favor.

3. Mesut Ozil vs Remy Cabella

Much like Giroud, Ozil’s performances have improved since the first leg against Monaco. While there is still a long way for him to go before he can justify his price tag, his performances of late, have been better than Alexis Sanchez. The German’s vision and ability to pick out a pass will be crucial against  a side that is unlikely to give the Gunners too much time in the final third.

Although signed by Alan Pardew, Cabella was ostracized in the early part of the season and has only started to deliver on his promise under Carver. The mercurial Frenchman, who was in the national side’s squad for the World Cup, is still struggling for consistency, but has shown that if he gets going, there are few defenders, capable of dealing with him. The battle between two enigmatic magicians will certain entertain the St. James’ Park faithful who look set to witness another enthralling encounter.