MALCOLM MACDONALD last night backed Craig Bellamy to win Sunday's jet-heeled shoot-out with Thierry Henry.

Macdonald, a former Newcastle United and Arsenal striker, believes Bellamy can capitalise on the Gunners' lack of speed in defence.

He said: "Arsenal have some fantastic players but they're susceptible to pace at the back, and that's where Newcastle could punish them.

"Newcastle have an awful lot of pace throughout the team and they've scored more goals in the closing stages of games this season than anyone else.

"That proves the fitness of the side. Newcastle never give up the ghost - they keep fighting until the end - but Arsenal sometimes relax and take their foot off the gas when they go in front.

"Against a side like United, they could be punished, and it wouldn't surprise me to see Newcastle win 2-1."

Arsenal will be aiming to become only the second team, after Leeds United, to win a Premiership game at St James' Park this season.

Newcastle have won their other 12 League fixtures on Tyneside and Macdonald believes that formidable run of results can be the bedrock of a title tilt.

He said: "Newcastle's home record is superb and they aren't afraid of anyone coming up to St James' Park.

"This time last year, they were in a good position, but they faded away after losing in quick succession to Liverpool and Arsenal.

"That won't happen now because they've come on leaps and bounds as a team.

"Sir Bobby Robson will be reminding his players of their ability rather than worrying about Arsenal's players.

"Newcastle's form this season has certainly silenced the critics who thought finishing fourth last season was a fluke.

"And I think they've gone on to the next level now by improving further.

"Finishing fourth was the aim at the start of the season - but I truly believe there's the ability in the squad to do even better this season."

* Wayne Quinn has extended his loan period at Sheffield United until March 8.

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