London, Dec 29: Arsenal hope to clinch fourth spot when they host struggling Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.

Gunners are on a run of three back-to-back wins while Newcastle are way below at 15th place. The Magpies have won only two games since October and are coming into this game with a thrilling 4-3 loss at Old Trafford.

Newcastle's current position is mainly due to injuries to key players and manager Alan Pardew has also blamed crammed fixtures of UEFA Europa League.

Arsene Wenger will hand Theo walcott the strikers role after he impressed in the last few wins.

Gunners do not have fresh injury problems but long-term absentees are Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky while Andre Santos and Oliver Giroud are still sidelined.

Newcastle will miss key players like Jonas Gutierrez, Vurnon Anita, Hatem Ben Arfa, Steven Taylor, and Yohan Cabaye through injuries while Chiek Tiote and Mike Williamson are suspended.

Trivia:

*Newcastle have won only two games since October.

*Arsenal have lost once in their last six encounters.

Probable Lineups:

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny-Sagna, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Gibbs-Arteta, Cazorla-Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski-Walcott

West Brom Albion (4-4-2): Krul-Perch, Simpson, Coloccini, Santon-Amalfitano, Obertan, Marveaux, Bigirimana-Cisse, Ba

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