Preview: Finishing off the year on a positive note at St. James Park
The outcome of Sunday's match could have an affect on the Premier League title, but both sides will want to finish the year on a high. When they both meet, goals tend to be the main storyline, and that could very well be the case on Sunday.
From their last two meetings at St. James Park, there has only been one goal scored. Laurent Koscielny scored the only goal in last year's match, while the prior season they played to a scoreless draw.
Prior to that, there had been 18 goals combined in four matches in all competitions. Seeing as both these clubs have an eye for goal, fans could very well see a few on Sunday.
Arsenal comes into this fixture having bounced back against West Ham at Upton Park. They went down 1-0 early in the second half, but a brace from Theo Walcott and a goal from Lukas Podolski gave the Gunners the three points.
With Manchester City winning against Crystal Palace, the Gunners now have to grab the full three points if they want to finish the year off in first place. Having Koscielny back from injury will offer Arsene Wenger's side a big boost defensively, although Vermaelen has filled in very well.
An in-form Newcastle United will be waiting for the Gunners. Alan Pardew's side have won seven of their last nine Premier League fixtures, and just defeated Stoke City 5-1. Despite Stoke being reduced to nine players in the first half, the Magpies showed efficiency in front of goal.
Pardew's men could finish the year off in the top four, depending on how the other results play out. But without any new injury concerns, they will have to focus on defeating an Arsenal side that they have only defeated once from their last 11 attempts.
This match will bring together two clubs with a lot of French players who know each other, which should make it that much more exciting. Yoan Gouffran has scored in five consecutive matches for Newcastle, while Olivier Giroud is on a goal scoring drought, despite his involvement in much of Arsenal's offensive plays.
Where to watch this match - Live Stream, Start Time, TV Channels, Live Scores
Watch Newcastle United vs Arsenal live on Sunday, December 29, 2013:
In Canada at 8:30 ET on: Sportsnet World, Sportsnet World Online, TalkSport Radio
In the UK at 13:30 BST on: Sky Sports 1/HD, Sky Go UK, Arsenal Player, Sky Sports 1 Ireland, BBC One, NOW TV powered by Sky
In the USA at 8:30 ET on: TalkSport Radio, SiriusXM FC, NBC Sports Live Extra, Mun2, NBC Sports Network
For more information regarding TV listings in your area, please visit the Newcastle vs Arsenal match page.