Viana set to replace Robert

The big story ahead of the trip to Highbury is the absence of Laurent Robert, but news of our other casualties is better.

Nikos Dabizas and Kieron Dyer both trained yesterday and are expected to be fit, but Andy O’Brien is likely to miss out again with his back injury.

If O’Brien is out then Aaron Hughes will partner Dabizas in central defence with Olivier Bernard retaining the left back slot.

Hugo Viana will play on the left in place of Robert, while Dyer is expected to replace Shola Ameobi alongside Alan Shearer with Jermaine Jenas and Gary Speed in the centre of midfield.

Shay Given will return in goal.

Arsenal are expected to be without Martin Keown, Lauren and Sol Campbell, so either Igor Stepanovs or Stathis Tavalaridis will start at the back.

Patrick Vieira returns from suspension.

Probable teams

Newcastle: Given; Griffin, Bernard, Hughes, Dabizas; Solano, Viana, Jenas, Speed; Dyer, Shearer. Subs: Harper, Caldwell, Acuna, LuaLua, Ameobi.

Arsenal: Seaman; Luzhny, Cole, Cygan, Stepanovs; Ljungberg, Wiltord, Vieira, Gilberto; Henry, Bergkamp. Subs: Shaaban, Tavalaridis, Edu, Pires, Kanu.