NEWCASTLE UNITED are expecting Arsenal to be on their best behaviour when the two clubs go head-to-head at Highbury tonight.

On Wednesday the Gunners were hit by the full force of the Football Association's disciplinary might following Sunday's controversial showdown with title rivals Manchester United.

Six Arsenal players - Martin Keown, Ray Parlour, Ashley Cole, Jens Lehmann, Lauren and Patrick Vieira - were charged with 11 seperate counts of misconduct.

Manager Arsene Wenger has also been asked to explain his post-match blast at Ruud van Nistelrooy as he accused the Dutchman of cheating.

Arsenal's championship chances could be hindered if the FA choose to hand out suspensions totalling more than 20 games for their part in the Old Trafford disgrace.

Whatever the outcome of the FA's investigations, Wenger will have the majority of his squad available for the visit of Newcastle this evening.

The Magpies travel to north London knowing exactly what Arsenal's reactions can be like if decisions do not go their way.

Two seasons ago, Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour was sent off during Newcastle's ill-tempered 3-1 success at Highbury.

On the final whistle - just seconds after Laurent Robert had completed a memorable victory - Thierry Henry launched into a tirade a referee Graham Poll.

Stewards and police officers had to calm Henry down and the Frenchman was reprimanded by the FA.

Ahead of tonight's match up, the Arsenal board have made Wenger address his squad on the club's standards and behaviour.

And Newcastle boss Robson is expecting the Londoners to show a much more reserved approach to the game, although he did call for other sides to accept defeat gracously.

"It's in the hands of the FA and the two clubs," said Robson. "It's up to the boards and the players.

"They will be dealt with and I've got nothing to say about it. The only thing I will add is that because of what's happened you will see a more controlled Arsenal football team in that respect. They will realise they can't do that again.

"I remember that day when we played them and we went top.They were very argumentative that night.

"Teams have to learn how to lose. The thing about events at Man United, Arsenal had done very well and they had got a point.

"Arsenal are Arsenal and we know what they are all about. They had a good result against Manchester United and they will be going into our fixture in a good frame of mind."

Robson leads his men into tonight's encounter hoping Wednesday's 5-0 UEFA Cup success over NAC Breda can help his side back on track domestically.

Newcastle - second from bottom - are still without a Premiership win in after games.

French winger Robert plays for the final time before his one-match suspension and Robson expects the former Paris St Germain star to reproduce his scintillating display against Breda.

"It's a continuation of what I saw from him against Bolton, following his dismissal at Everton," said Robson, who called for Robert to prove he is worth his place in the starting XI recently.

"He will miss the match at Southampton unfortunately. But he's had two good games now.

"He's shown his crossing ability and there were times against Breda when he could have passed instead of shooting.

"Laurent has to do that. He's on a good wage and he cost us a lot of money. He's been very good for us at times."

Robson is asking for Robert to continue the work-ethic which has recently proved to be beneficial to the side.

"Kieron Dyer was on the other wing the other night and he was working both ways," he said. "That is what we want from Robert.

"All great players work hard. Vieira, Scholes, Gerrard, whoever - they all work hard and are all great talents. That's what we want."

Dyer is expected to retain his place on the right wing, as Nolberto Solano is still struggling with a groin injury. Centre-back Jonathan Woodgate is due to go under the surgeon's knife tomorrow on a double hernia problem.

Meanwhile, Newcastle keeper Shay Given is preparing for yet another duel with a striker he regards as one of the best in the business. Given is expecting Arsenal front-man Henry, the PFA Player of the Year, to be his unsual menacing self.

And the Irishman said: "Thierry Henry is one of the best in the business but facing him doesn't faze me.

"When you think of the players I have faced for my club and country during the last two years he still stands out.

"He's lightning quick and a great finisher but as a goalkeeper you live to test yourself against these players."

Given made two world-class saves against Breda to preserve Newcastle's two-goal lead going into half-time on Wednesday.

And he is hoping both Newcastle and himself can carry on in similar form at Highbury.

He said last night: "I really hope the win has turned our season around but we will only know after the Arsenal game.

"At least we can take a lot of confidence from scoring five goals and keeping a clean sheet. It sends a message to our rivals."

Dennis Bergkamp is ruled out of the game after being ''injured by a bad tackle'', according to Wenger, and will not return until next weekend at the earliest as he will also not fly to the club's Champions League tie in Moscow next Tuesday.

That means Sylvain Wiltord is likely to partner Thierry Henry, while Wenger is also hoping that Sol Campbell, who missed the Old Trafford game following the death of his father, is able to return to action.

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