Arveladze played for Rangers and the veteran striker says he has the scars to prove the British game is tougher than anywhere in Europe.
Dutchman Expects A Kicking At St James' Park
Signed from Ajax for £2m in 2001, Arveladze was a big success in the Scottish Premier League, scoring 44 goals in 95 top-flight appearances for the Huns.
Arveladze: "In Scotland with Rangers it was so physical, everyone battling, that I had to pick up my ankles somewhere round about the goalposts after the game. So you have to be prepared for that if you want to survive the British game. After the game you feel the pain but it's their culture and I understand that because so many passionate people come for the excitement in the Premier League.
"In British football you can't play balls back to the goalkeeper as the public won't accept it. They want a continuous pressing game, it's their culture, so you can't change that and I don't think they have to.
"AZ is a really a good team but it's not a top club yet. But they try everything to be a top club. First you have to be a top club and then you're a top team, that's what I believe.
"In a while it's possible, while of course Newcastle are already a top club. They are one of the six best teams in England but sometimes you have up and down years. Normally Newcastle are good. Look at the budget of Newcastle and compare that with AZ, it could be 16 times or more.
"When you attack so much like we do then that's the risk that you concede goals. We have many young boys who lack experience. Every time they always want to go and go and go and it's there lack of experience or being over realistic.
"This is normal, everything is realistic when you're young and that's how it should be. On one hand it's a good point but on the other side it can be hard lessons every day when they make mistakes. Only more games will teach us how we should approach the following game. Newcastle will be a difficult game. I can't think much now, but when you see the names on the list it's a great team with experienced players.
"These players have all played more in Europe much more than AZ and experience is very important at this level. I remember the stadium and the supporters when I played there with Rangers and it was very impressive."