Game on. St James' Park is bouncing, can the Gunners shut them up?

BBC Radio 5 Live

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Probably best to look away now for a second or two Newcastle fans...

The Magpies have not beaten Arsenal at home in any competition since December 2005. Alan Shearer started for them that day.

Oh, for an Alan Shearer today.  

Here we go. The teams are emerging into the arena and the Newcastle fans are making a heck of noise. Do I sense some positivity?

Just six home wins from 30 Premier League matches so far this campaign. Will seven be lucky for the Magpies?

Michael McCarthy : Newcastle's defensive success in Old Trafford and Arsenal's inability to score means Wenger prob wont ignite his season today! 

Mike Hall: The Arsenal front three is the fastest I have ever seen in Premier League history. Newcastle to park the bus + throw away keys. 

Peter Vaz : Big shame that ozil is out, hope it's nothing serious! Thought he was really starting to stamp his authority on games.

This is the first time Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott have started a Premier League game together since 17 August 2013. Will it be an answer to the Gunners' problems in front of goal?  

Walcott has scored four Premier League goals against Newcastle - only against West Ham has he scored more.  

Image source, .

Do Arsenal need a striker before the close of the transfer window? The following stats suggest so.

• They have failed to score in five of their last nine league games.
• Their tally of 40 shots this season (excluding blocked efforts) is the joint highest in the division - but their return of two goals is the joint lowest.

Time to spend Mr Wenger?

Image source, Opta

If Arsenal fans think they have got problems, spare a thought for Newcastle...

The Magpies are winless this season and, anything but a victory, means four Premier League matches without a win for the second consecutive season.

The hosts have won one of their last seven top-flight home games and, despite a more positive vibe around the place, they need a win and quick.

Feeling happier this campaign Newcastle fans? Let us know your thoughts via #bbcfootball., external

Peter Vaz: That has to be the quickest front three in all of football! Alexis, Walcott AND Oxlade!!! 

Ryan McConville: Can Mitrovic be the heir to the Newcastle no. 9 jersey? 

Seany Ekon: Alas Walcott & Chamberlain both start! Ramsey to score today-A must win. No rashness from Gabriel. Giroud a good sub to have!

Image source, Getty Images

Talk about making an effort!

Newcastle's summer signing Florian Thauvin pitched up to St James' Park this morning sporting a tux. He makes his first Premier League start today.

The smart look is all the rage, with fellow new boy Chancel Mbembe following suit - literally.

Good work.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on BT Sport on his team selection: "A slight injury for Mesut Ozil. Walcott and Giroud have different qualities. Two great strikers and let's hope it is the right decision.

"Let's keep creating the chances."

Image source, Opta

It hasn't been a great start to the season for the Gunners.

Boss Arsene Wenger says his team have been "very average" this season after collecting four points from three Premier League games.  

He remains adamant his side have the players already at the club to challenge for the title though.

What do you reckon Gunners fans? Or is he bluffing? Let us know via #bbcfootball., external

Steve Bower
BBC football commentator

"Arsene Wenger has described Arsenal's start as "very average" and, having watched Newcastle show renewed defensive spirit at Old Trafford, they will have to rise above that standard to get a result at St James' Park. 

"Newcastle will take belief from their performance last weekend as they try to record their first league win under Steve McClaren, though they will be wary of Arsenal's obvious threat when they do click going forward. 

"The Gunners haven't had many recent issues away from home, or over the last few years against Newcastle. They won't want Petr Cech in the news again this week - they need the headlines at the other end of the pitch."

Image source, .

Think you can guess the outcome of this match? Have a go at our predictor game and you'll get a video message from one of the Match of the Day pundits at the end of the weekend rating your performance.

Stockbroking UK mag:  There are more Frenchmen than Englishmen in the Newcastle v Arsenal game. FACT.

Noorhiya Jenala: AW is told to buy top strikers, who are not English, but is blamed for not playing English players! What do we want?

Newcastle manager Steve McClaren on BT Sport:  "The club have gone into the transfer market, bought five very good players and now we have to produce the results on the field.

"The new boys have settled in well."

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is fit after a back injury but Per Mertesacker misses out because of illness.

They make three changes from the draw with Liverpool last time out with Koscielny, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott coming in for Calum Chambers, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud  

Arsenal XI: Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Sanchez, Walcott .

Image source, Opta