Arsenal vs. Newcastle United: 5 Key Battles the Gunners Must Win

Recent games between Arsenal and Newcastle United have more closely resembled battles than football matches. Tomorrow night's clash could bring more of the same, as the Gunners will be looking for revenge, having not won in their last three league encounters against the Magpies.

The Battle will inevitably begin and be decided in midfield. Arsenal trio Mikel Arteta, Alex Song and Tomas Rosicky have been outstanding in recent games.

However, they can be expect to be tested by powerful Newcastle duo Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote. There is also the prospect of an interesting duel between Dutch compatriots Robin van Persie and United 'keeper Tim Krul.

Here are the five key battles Arsenal must win to open up an eight-point gap between themselves and Newcastle.

1. Thomas Vermaelen vs. Demba Ba

Senegalese hotshot Demba Ba has been one of the best signings of this Premier League season. Thomas Vermaelen will need to be at his best to subdue the dangerous striker.

Ba has led the Magpies attack with power, craft and a natural poacher's instinct. He has netted 16 goals in the Premier League and represents the biggest threat to the Gunners back line.

After enduring a horror show in Milan, Belgian stopper Vermaelen has rebounded to produce some commanding displays. The former Ajax star has been his usual enthusiastic and all-action self at the heart of Arsenal's defense.

He will need to be equally decisive to track and nullify the mobile and pacey Ba. Vermaelen has the instincts and aggression to keep Ba quiet, but if he becomes too rash or loses concentration, Ba can be relied upon to pounce. 

2. Alex Song vs. Yohan Cabaye

Cameroon ace Alex Song needs to play a key role in cancelling out the threat posed by skillful Frenchman Yohan Cabaye. The former Lille standout has been an excellent addition to Newcastle's ranks.

Cabaye is particularly dangerous when breaking late from midfield into the box. Song will have to ensure his stays aware of Cabaye's movement and track any of his runs into forward areas.

He must also use his strength and robust approach to harass Cabaye and give him no chance to influence the play. If Song can prevent Cabaye from tying Newcastle's attacking play together, the Magpies' threat will be severely reduced. 

3. Kieran Gibbs vs. Hatem Ben Arfa

Although he does not always start, Hatem Ben Arfa is an outstanding talent who can cause real problems if he is allowed to attack Kieran Gibbs.

Arsenal's young left back has looked extremely shaky in recent matches. Against AC Milan last week, Gibbs was routinely caught out of position and often took bad tackling angles.

Ben Arfa has the direct speed, savvy and ball trickery to expose the weaknesses in Gibbs' game. If Ben Arfa is introduced, Gibbs must use his own natural pace to his advantage.

Gibbs can afford to stand off Ben Arfa and give him some room to run. Keeping Ben Arfa pinned to the touchline and denying him the chance to get behind the defense will limit his threat.

Yet Gibbs must stay disciplined and not go diving in and fall victim to the twists, turns and skills of the French winger.

4. Mikel Arteta vs. Cheick Tiote

Mikel Arteta must escape the attentions of Magpies midfield destroyer Chieck Tiote and dictate Arsenal's possession play.

Although Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey have occupied the attacking midfield position this season, Arteta is the real focal point of Arsenal's passing game. The cultured veteran has the speed of thought, composure and passing range to keep the Gunners on the ball and fashion scoring opportunities.

Rugged Ivory Coast star Tiote will be central to Newcastle's probable plan to disrupt the flow of Arsenal's attacks and muscle their midfielders off the ball. If Arteta can win this battle, he could be the decisive factor in another Arsenal win.

5. Robin Van Persie vs. Tim Krul

It will be interesting to see how one of the finest young goalkeepers in the Premier League fares against the best striker in world football.

Tim Krul has been outstanding for Newcastle this season. Yet his cat-quick reflexes, impeccable timing and keen instincts may not be enough to stop Robin van Persie from again finding the net.

The Gunners skipper has finally been able to show the world game what an exceptional talent he is. It is not a case of van Persie having developed to this level. The Dutchman always had the ability, but injuries simply robbed him of the chance to prove it.

Arsenal will need yet another masterclass from van Persie against Krul, who was outstanding the last time United visited the Emirates Stadium.

A Win Puts Third Place and Automatic Qualification in Sight for the Gunners

A win for Arsenal would knock Newcastle out of top-four contention, just one week after the Gunners dealt the same blow to Liverpool. Just as important, three more points puts third place firmly in sight.

Arsenal can move to within a point of Tottenham Hotspur with a victory tomorrow night. Claiming automatic qualification to next season's UEFA Champions League would be a huge boost to Arsenal's summer transfer plans.

It would also ensure that the squad gets more rest time following the Euro 2012 international tournament. But, Newcastle cannot be counted on to make things easy. They are a defensively resolute team, and, along with their manager, Alan Pardew, have succeeded in getting under the skin of the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger's players must stay calm, disciplined and focus. Their current league form is the most impressive of the season, and the rewards at stake demand a professional and efficient Arsenal performance.