Given: Rivalry really getting intense now

NEWCASTLE legend Shay Given reckons the Toon will eclipse Arsenal's season if they qualify for the Champions League.

- BY SIMON MULLOCK

But after beating the Gunners three times already this season, the ex-Republic of Ireland keeper (above, right) warned Eddie Howe's men that their hopes of taking a giant step towards a top-five finish will really be put to the test today at the Emirates.

Newcastle beat Arsenal twice in the Carabao Cup semi-finals before going on to beat Liverpool at Wembley to lift the club's first domestic trophy in 70 years.

And Given said: "If Newcastle now qualify for the Champions League, there's no question they will have had a better season than Arsenal.