Howe: We can defeat any teams now, even the elite sides, but we must be at our best

NEWCASTLE have transformed themselves from whipping boys into wizards when it comes to going up against the aristocrats of the Premier League.

- BY IAN MURTAGH

Not so long ago, a trip to the Emirates would have filled the Magpies with trepidation - and, invariably, the outcome would confirm their worst fears.

But Eddie Howe's upwardly-mobile side face the Gunners today - bidding for a FOURTH win over them this season.

And if they can follow up last week's victory over Champions-League-race rivals Chelsea, Newcastle will be in the driving seat to finish as top-flight runners-up for the first time since 1996-97.

It's all a far cry from the days when they played as if nursing an inferiority complex against the elite clubs.