Where to start with Newcastle? Selling their captain, visa problems, pitch invasions, twitter rants and supporter unrest. Just seems like any old pre-season on the Tyneside soap opera. Kevin Nolan’s sale to West Ham, Joey Barton’s twitter rants and slow movement in the transfer market has hung a dark cloud over St James’ Park. The signings of Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba, Sylvain Marveaux and Gabriel Obertan have provided some cause for optimism but the whole Barton fiasco has caused the Geordie faithful to grumble again. Alan Pardew faces a rough season as he tries to unite the dressing room and get his squad playing football good enough to break into the top 10. However there is always another unpredictable disaster lurking around the corner.
Arsenal have similar problems with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri still angling for moves away from the Emirates. The former has been caught up in the saga with Barcelona for the fourth consecutive summer and Arsene Wenger seems to have grown tired of it. Transfer activity has been light with Gervinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the only incomings. Hardly the type of players the Gunners fans are craving as they look to end a barren six-year spell without a trophy. The loss of their two key midfielders is inevitable and Wenger has a tough task on his hands to rebuild the squad.
It could go either way on Saturday teatime. Off the field distractions could overshadow the game although both sides will be looking to make a strong start. Those hoping for another 4-4 will be disappointed.
Verdict: 1-1
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Arsenal 5 -1
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