Saturday's Key Battles: Newcastle v Arsenal

With their FA Cup Semi Final place assured, Arsène Wenger's men are back in Premier League action when they travel to Newcastle on Saturday. This season Arsenal.com will be identifying the key battles for the game. We will bring you all the statistics and information a fan could need so swot up now and come Saturday you will be impressing anyone who will listen with your new-found knowledge.

Michael Owen

Player Profile - William Gallas

Michael Owen v William Gallas
Perhaps there could be no greater shot in the arm for Newcastle’s relegation battle than the return to full fitness of Michael Owen. As usual, the striker’s season has been interrupted by injury but his class has still shone through in his 20 appearances this term. He could lock horns with William Gallas after the Frenchman’s late winner against Hull in midweek. The centre back has a lofty 75 per cent success rate in dribbling and trumps Owen on completed passes too.

Fabricio Coloccini

Nicklas Bendtner player profile

Fabricio Coloccini v Nicklas Bendtner
Incredibly, with only nine games left of the season, Fabricio Coloccini has played every minute of every Premier League fixture so far. He might face Nicklas Bendtner on Saturday if Arsène Wenger decides to recall the Dane to his starting line-up. The 21-year-old has scored five goals and registered two assists in his 22 appearances this term but will have to be at his best to evade the Argentinian who has completed 22 tackles this term – as many as other player in the two squads.

Steven Taylor

Player Profile - Samir Nasri

Steven Taylor v Samir Nasri
Steven Taylor’s move from the centre to the right of Newcastle’s defensive four has given the 23-year-old a new lease of life. On Saturday, he looks set to face Samir Nasri who could start for the Gunners having been named on the bench for Tuesday’s victory over Hull City. Nasri’s impressive dribbling success and shooting accuracy have caught the eye this season but interestingly the former England Under-21 actually shades the shooting stakes in this match-up.