Saturday, The Emirates Kick-off 5.30pm Live on Setanta Eight months after Kevin Keegan s second coming, Newcastle United s increasingly sceptical fans, maybe, finally, can see the green shoots of recovery. After a pre-season which saw English football s

Saturday, The Emirates

Kick-off 5.30pm

Live on Setanta

Eight months after Kevin Keegan's second coming, Newcastle United's increasingly sceptical fans, maybe, finally, can see the green shoots of recovery.

After a pre-season which saw English football's bad boy Joey Barton return to the club after a stint at HMP Walton, and continued frustration in the transfer market, the Magpies kicked off their league campaign with a surprise 1-1 draw at champions Manchester United.

And following that up with a Michael Owen winner against Bolton last week (1-0), they arrive at Emirates a point ahead of Arsenal.

That win over the Trotters at St James' was also notable for a crowd 5,000 under the stadium capacity, unheard of since Keegan's (pictured left) first spell as manager over 16 years ago.

The Toon are hardly giving up on their side, but their remarkable loyalty has been stretched with their seemingly endless barren spell.

Their one major signing, £10.3 million Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini, has impressed in both league outings while another new acquisition, Danny Guthrie from Liverpool, has also slotted in well.

But the team arrive at The Emirates knowing they have tough task ahead.

They lost twice in a week, both times 3-0, in league and cup back in January shortly after Keegan's return.

Yet, Newcastle, who have goalkeeper Shay Given back fit and close to his best, will be more than happy to retain their unbeaten start to the League campaign.

Arsenal, eager to make amends after last week's dire showing at Fulham, may have a tougher task than expected on Saturday teatime.