STEVE HARPER will captain Newcastle United when he makes his final appearance for the club against Arsenal today.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper, included because of the absence of Rob Elliot and Tim Krul, will play his 199th appearance for the Magpies in the final game of the Premier League season.

Centre-back Steven Taylor returns to the centre of the defence after recovering from illness, while Danny Simpson is on the bench for the final time before he leaves at the end of his contract.

Arsenal, who might need to win to prevent Tottenham from pinching fourth place ahead of them, arer unchanged after Mikel Arteta passed a late fitness test.

Newcastle United: Harper; Debuchy, S Taylor, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa; Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez; Ben Arfa, Cisse, Gouffran. Subs: Alnwick (gk), Simpson, Anita, Perch, Marveaux, Obertan, Campbell.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky; Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski. Subs: Fabianski (gk), Vermaelen, Monreal, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Giroud.