Ahead of the EFL Cup semi-final 2nd leg, we have the Newcastle vs Arsenal preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.
Newcastle Vs Arsenal Preview
It feels like an eternity since Newcastle secured their brilliant 2-0 first-leg win and now the Geordie Boys are just 90 minutes away from another Wembley final.
Two years ago, the Magpies finished runners-up in the EFL Cup after they lost 2-0 to Manchester United. Now, Eddie Howe will be looking to end the club’s 70-year trophy drought once again.
Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon were the heroes in north London. Both players netted in what was a real smash-and-grab victory.
On that bitterly cold night, the hosts boasted 70% possession and completed 300 more passes than Howe’s men. They also registered 23 goal attempts compared to Newcastle’s seven.
Nonetheless, the North East side grabbed the stats that really mattered. Going into Wednesday’s showdown, the Magpies will be desperate to right the wrongs from their surprise 2-1 Premier League defeat to Fulham.
St. James' Park.
Wednesday.Howay the Lads 👊 pic.twitter.com/m7Hrejh39q
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 3, 2025
Arsenal will need to remain humble on Tyneside after they hit faltering champions Manchester City for five on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates.
The Gunners have plenty of work to do but head to St James’ Park in the best possible form. Mikel Arteta will be desperate for silverware and knows he has the players to flip this semi-final 2nd leg on it’s head.
Two of those come in the shape of new local heroes Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. Both netted peaches against City on the weekend.
Again, both players will be vital if Arteta’s side are going to have any chance of upsetting the odds and making it through to the final on March 16.
Ahead of the game, Arsenal are the slight favourites with the best football betting sites in the UK and can be backed at 6/5. Newcastle are available at 23/10 with the draw 3/1.
Newcastle Vs Arsenal Team News
Eddie Howe has plenty to ponder before he names his Newcastle starting XI. Callum Wilson is back in contention after missing the last couple of months with a hamstring injury.
The biggest headache will be whether Nick Pope and Sven Botman are given the nod from the off. Pope is match fit again and Howe may reinstall him over Martin Dubravka.
Botman is likely to replace local lad Dan Burn in the centre of defence. Bruno Guimaraes should start in midfield after missing the 1st leg through suspension.
Meanwhile, Arsenal still have plenty of injuries to contend with. Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are all still ruled out.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is almost certain to start at left-back after his performance against Manchester City on Sunday. Ethan Nwaneri is also pushing hard after he starred late on against City and has three goals in the EFL Cup this season.
In between the sticks, David Raya is expected to keep his place over Neto. The Spaniard will be vital if the Gunners are to progress to the final.
Every touch before Ethan Nwaneri's mesmerising finish 🔢 pic.twitter.com/ni8tngt1ey
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 3, 2025
Newcastle Vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Botman, Schar, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Nwaneri
Newcastle Vs Arsenal Prediction
Despite losing their last two games on home soil, we are predicting Newcastle to just about get the job done against Arsenal at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
The 2-0 1st leg advantage will prove pivotal as the Geordie Boys will likely frustrate their visitors. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, the Magpies may lose on the night but will book their Wembley spot via the aggregate score.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-3 Arsenal (4-3 on aggregate)
