Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce will be hoping to escape unscathed when his team welcome Arsenal to St James' Park in a mid-week Premiership clash on December 5. Newcastle have not had an easy going in this Premiership season and Big Sam has found the going tougher as compared to his previous stint at the Reebok Stadium with Bolton.

Newcastle lost their last home game 3-0 to Liverpool at home and Allardyce was booed by the fans, but he has reiterated that he will not allow the external focus to unsettle him. Damien Duff could make a return for the Magpies after recovering from a foot injury. The Republic of Ireland winger has returned to full training after spending almost seven months on the sidelines.

But it is the strike department that has Allardyce worried as Michael Owen is once again on the injured list. Owen is out indefinitely after he strained his thigh during England's 1-0 friendly win at Austria. The FA has assured some compensation for Newcastle, but Allardyce would rather have a fit Owen. Newcastle are 11th on the Premiership table with 18 points from 13 games.

Arsenal on the other hand has enjoyed a glorious start to their Premiership campaign. The huge array of talent pool built by manager Arsene Wenger has ensured that the Gunners have been able to easily cope with the departure of star striker Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

Arsenal's stunning form this season has led their fans to believe that the silverware drought may be finally over. For Arsenal Robin Van Persie continues to be sidelined with a knee injury, while midfielder Alexander Hleb is also out for three weeks with a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Belarus.

Arsenal top the Premier League table with 33 points from 13 games and have a game in hand over second placed Manchester United

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