Benitez - Magpies need a 'bit of luck'

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez admits they need a “bit of luck” to beat Arsenal although he feels they are capable of causing problems.

The Magpies have pulled clear of the relegation zone in the second half of the season and a couple more wins may be enough to see them safe.

They sit seven points clear of the bottom three as they prepare to return to action against Arsenal after losing just once in their last six Premier League outings.

Arsenal haven’t lost at home in the league since the opening day and are desperate for points as they look to secure a top-four spot.

But Benitez isn’t concerned by the strength of their opponents and feels his side are capable of competing with anyone in the division.

Benitez said: “Sometimes you need a bit of luck but we can compete against anyone. The team is quite solid and we have confidence in ourselves. “We are doing a lot of things with more confidence – we are creating more chances and we have more of a threat in attack.”