Arsenal will look to secure a fifth successive league victory when they welcome Newcastle to the Emirates on Monday evening.

Despite a sluggish start to the season, Arsene Wenger's men seem to be motoring towards a top-four finish and are looking to overhaul North London rivals Tottenham in third place.

Three points against the Magpies would see the Gunners close to within a point of Spurs in third and edge three clear of chasing Chelsea in fifth.

Mikel Arteta is likely to return to Wenger's lineup while Aaron Ramsey, despite also returning, is likely to lose out to the in-form Tomas Rosicky.

Visiting boss Alan Pardew has no fresh injury worries but may wish to select Hatem Ben Arfa instead of forward Papiss Cisse in an attempt to bolster his midfield.

Defeat for the visitors would see them go four league games without a win and move nine points adrift of fourth place.

Current league form:

Arsenal: LDWWWW
Newcastle: LWWLDD

Possible lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Walcott, Rosicky, Song, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Van Persie

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; R Taylor, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa; Ba

Sports Mole says: 3-1