Whereas Arsenal have found their form, Newcastle are struggling to find theirs at the moment. Steve Bruce's men are winless in their last six matches, suffering a 2-1 defeat in their last outing against Leicester City. The Magpies do not have good record in the cup competitions and it will take a special effort for them to knock off the holders based on their current standard of performances.
The shoots of recovery are beginning to emerge from Arsenal's season after reeling off three wins on the bounce. Mikel Arteta was under huge pressure entering the festive period, but the Gunners have responded by defeating Chelsea, Brighton and Hove Albion and West Brom in the Premier League, including a hammering of the Baggies last time out.