Lovenkrands' big Magpies chance

PETER LOVENKRANDS has been given a lifeline at Newcastle United following Shola Ameobi's fractured cheekbone. Lovenkrands has been handed a starting place on the right of midfield against Arsenal at St James' Park, with skipper Kevin Nolan asked to push further forward. The lone striker role rests on the shoulders of Leon Best, who has been largely disappointing since scoring a hat-trick against West Ham last month. Midfielder Cheik Tiote returns to the midfield after suspension, while Arsenal include Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott in their ranks. NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-4-1-1): Harper; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Enrique; Lovenkrands, Barton, Tiote, Gutierrez; Nolan; Best. Subs: Krul(gk), Perch, Guthrie, Ferguson, Richardson, Campbell, Ranger. ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy; Wilshere, Diaby; Walcott, Fabregas, Arshavin; van Persie. Subs: Rosicky, Squillaci, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh, Bendtner, Almunia (gk).