Mikel Arteta has shaken off a calf injury to start for Arsenal against Newcastle United this afternoon.

The Spaniard has been included in the midfield alongside Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky. Elsewhere, Lukas Podolski will continue as a lone centre-forward, with Theo Walcott given a role wide on the right.

Meanwhile, Steve Harper, who will retire after this match, has been handed a start in goal for the hosting Magpies.

Newcastle: Harper; Debuchy, S.Taylor, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa; Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa; Cisse, Gouffran

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky; Cazorla, Walcott; Podolski