EFL Cup Semi-Final Second Leg Preview: Arsenal vs Newcastle United

Fixture: Arsenal vs Newcastle United

Date: Wednesday, 5th February 2025

Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

Arsenal and Newcastle United face off in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates, with the Magpies holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg. Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon put Eddie Howe’s side in the driving seat, but with the return fixture on Arsenal’s home turf, the tie is far from over.

With both teams in decent form domestically, this encounter promises to be a fiercely contested battle, as Arsenal look to overturn the deficit and keep their silverware hopes alive, while Newcastle aim to secure their first major domestic final since 1999.

• W 5-1 vs Manchester City
• D 1-1 vs Brighton
• W 3-1 vs Brentford
• W 1-0 vs Ipswich
• L 0-2 vs Newcastle (First Leg)

Arsenal have been impressive in the league with standout performances against City and Brentford. However, the first-leg Carabao Cup semi-final defeat at St. James’ Park leaves them with an uphill battle.

• L 1-2 vs Fulham
• W 1-3 vs Southampton
• L 1-4 vs Bournemouth
• W 3-0 vs Wolves
• W 3-1 vs Bromley 

The Magpies' form has been slightly inconsistent of late, as a 2-1 home defeat against Fulham last out means that Eddie Howe’s team has lost two of their last three competitive games. 

• Arsenal have not lost to Newcastle at home in any competition since 2010.
• The Gunners have won all three previous EFL Cup meetings against the Magpies.
• Newcastle’s last victory over Arsenal in a cup competition dates back to the 1952 FA Cup final—73 years ago.

While history favours Arsenal, Newcastle’s recent resurgence under Howe has made them formidable opposition, particularly in knockout fixtures.

• Bukayo Saka (hamstring)
• Ben White (knee)
• Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee)
• Gabriel Jesus (knee)
  

GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Myles Lewis-Skelly
MID: Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Martin Ødegaard
ATT: Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli

• Jamaal Lascelles (knee)
• Harvey Barnes (knee)
• Callum Wilson (thigh)
  

GK: Martin Dúbravka
DEF: Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall
MID: Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
ATT: Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon

• Expect Arsenal to come out aggressively, needing an early goal to shift the momentum.
• Ødegaard will dictate play, while Rice and Partey will be crucial in controlling the midfield.
• With Saka unavailable, the creativity will need to come from Martinelli and Trossard cutting inside.
• Defensive solidity will be key to avoiding Newcastle’s counter-attacks.
  

• Newcastle will likely sit deeper and look to hit Arsenal on the break through Isak and Gordon.
• Howe’s side will aim to frustrate Arsenal, slowing the tempo and managing the game efficiently.
• Striker Alexander Isak will be vital, as Newcastle are expected to play on the counter-attack. 
• Tonali and Guimaraes will be crucial in what could be a crucial midfield battle.
  

Arsenal have the talent to turn this tie around, but Newcastle’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking efficiency make them dangerous opponents. If the Gunners score early, the momentum could shift, but if Newcastle hold firm in the first half, their lead should be enough to see them through.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle (Newcastle advance 3-2 on aggregate)

This promises to be a tense and tactical encounter, with Arsenal needing to be at their best to break down a resolute Newcastle side. Wembley awaits, but only one will make it through.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.