Allardyce sees the Carling Cup as Newcastle's most realistic chance of a trophy this season, but the draw certainly hasn't helped his cause.
Allardyce - 'Wenger Hasn't Always Been Respectful'!
The 52-year-old takes his side to the Emirates Stadium, playing what Sam describes as "the best team in the Premiership".
In 16 clashes with the Gunners during his time at the Reebok Stadium, Allardyce managed four wins and six draws, and Wenger has had more than one spat with Big Sam.
Allardyce: "I have never disrespected him in any shape, way or form in my time - it is more the opposite, if you like, but that's life.
"It is terrific football he plays and a terrific job he has done for Arsenal over 10 or 11 years.
"He has rebuilt a team, like few managers can do, that looks like it is going to be successful.
"There is only one manager who has done that before, and that is Sir Alex Ferguson. He has built four teams and he is still top of the tree.
"But nobody else has managed to maintain it, only Jose Mourinho, and now he has gone.
"Arsene is the next one who keeps taking players out and replacing them and still produces success, perhaps not last year, but it certainly looks like they will this year.
"Physically, they are as capable as anybody else in the Premier League, never mind technically and tactically.
"They are perhaps still physically not quite as good as they used to be, but that's the only area now.
"Certainly, in terms of entertainment and results combined, they are the best in the Premier League at the moment."