Arsenal FC vs. Newcastle United: A Critical Must-Win for Arsenal?

With a highly entertaining 4-4 draw still fresh in our minds from last year, the first match of this campaign looks to have some added pressure for Arsenal FC. After throwing away a 0-4 lead at halftime and allowing the Magpies to draw 4-4 just before the final whistle, Arsene Wenger and Company will be looking to send a message.

Both teams have done very little this offseason when it comes to big-name signings, but Arsenal FC have done the least out of the two clubs. With Gael Clichy departing to Manchester City, there will be major questions asked of Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore as it appears Wenger will not bring in another left-back. 

Arsenal also look to part ways with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri this weekend, which will leave Wenger scratching his head considering Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby are also expected to miss the match.

Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Thomas Vermaelen were expected to take fitness tests today after picking up slight knocks in preseason, but the three are expected to play tomorrow.

New Arsenal signing Gervinho will look to make his first official appearance for the Gunners at St. James Park. It remains to be seen if Wenger will use the Ivorian in a more central role, or if he will use his pace and ability to take on defenders on the outside.

With Joey Barton still in limbo in regards to whether he will stay or go, Newcastle coach Alan Pardew is unsure if he will take part in tomorrow's match. The Magpies will also have to deal with the departure of Jose Enrique to Liverpool, as well as Kevin Nolan's move to West Ham.

After Nolan's superb season last year, Newcastle fans are left to wonder what the reasoning behind the sale was, considering West Ham was relegated.

During this current transfer window, Pardew has brought in Yohan Cabaye, Sylvain Marveaux and Mehdi Abeid all from Ligue 1. The most significant signings were former Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan and Senegal international Demba Ba.

Prediction

With both teams not enjoying a very exciting summer, Arsenal have arguably had their worst. The constant saga involving Nasri and Fabregas has not only drained every ounce of patience and hope out of Arsenal faithful, but it certainly has taken a toll on the Arsenal squad.

For the Arsenal players to deal with the possibility of losing their captain all summer long, that certainly can't have a positive effect on the preparation for the upcoming season. To make matters even worse, knowing you are going to lose Fabregas and facing the reality that Wenger most likely won't bring in any big names to replace him or Nasri.

After a very quiet transfer season for the Gunners, Wenger and his squad are under immense pressure to put up a result against Newcastle United. With the complete disaster that everyone witnessed last year during this fixture and the added pressure from this summer, a loss would be devastating for Arsenal. 

Look for Arsenal to come out wanting to prove a point against a Newcastle team most likely without leader Joey Barton in the center of the park and missing Kevin Nolan due to transfer.

I expect Arsenal to want this match more than Newcastle mainly because of last season and what they've dealt with this offseason, but if Newcastle impose their game and score first, look for a completely distraught and heavy-hearted Arsenal to fall apart.

Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal (goals from Robin van Persie and Gervinho)