Mark Lawrenson slates Newcastle United's tactics ahead of Arsenal FA Cup clash

In his weekly predictions piece for BBC Sport, pundit Mark Lawrenson backed Mikel Arteta's side to secure a fourth-round spot with a 2-0 win against the Magpies.

Discussing his choice further, Lawro contended: "The FA Cup will again be important for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta but their main aim will be to make the top four.

"They’ve lost eight of their 17 league games so far but, with everyone above them taking points off each other, they’re still just about in that race.

"Not many people will expect Newcastle to win this tie, but what they really have to do is go out and give it a proper go. There's no point in them just sitting back and making no attempt to score."

Last season, the Magpies made it all the way to the quarter-finals of the competition, before being knocked out by Manchester City.