Match Preview: Arsenal vs Newcastle United

Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Newcastle United

Date: Tuesday, 7 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 20:00 (GMT)

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

Broadcast: Live on Sky Sports

• Recent Form: Arsenal have demonstrated strong form across competitions, but are coming off the back of a 1-1 draw against Brighton in their last game. The Gunners have shown excellent balance between attack and defence, keeping three clean sheets in many of their recent games at the Emirates.
• Carabao Cup Context: The Carabao Cup represents a prime opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to secure silverware this season. Arsenal will be eager to establish a commanding first-leg advantage in front of their home fans, knowing that the second leg at St. James’ Park will be a tough test.
• Key Highlights: The inclusion of Jorginho in midfield provides a mix of composure and experience alongside Declan Rice, while Jurrien Timber’s return to the lineup boosts defensive solidity. Arsenal’s attacking trio of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard will be key in breaking down Newcastle’s defence.
  

• Recent Form: Newcastle comes into this semi-final after a thrilling 2-1 Premier League win over Tottenham, highlighting their resilience and ability to compete with top teams. However, their away form has been inconsistent, with defensive lapses proving costly in recent matches.
• Carabao Cup Context: After falling short in last season’s final, Newcastle will be determined to go one step further this year. Eddie Howe’s side will look to frustrate Arsenal and aim for an away goal to take back to Tyneside.
• Key Highlights: The absence of key defenders, including Fabian Schär and Nick Pope, will test Newcastle’s depth. However, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall provide youthful energy, while Alexander Isak remains their main attacking threat.

• Goalkeeper: David Raya
• Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly
• Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Jorginho, Declan Rice
• Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard
  

Newcastle United (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
• Defenders: Tino Livramento, Lloyd Kelly, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall
• Midfielders: Sean Longstaff, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
• Forwards: Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon

* Please note that actual starting lineups may vary depending on final team selections and any last-minute changes.

• Approach: Arsenal are expected to dominate possession, using their midfield trio of Ødegaard, Jorginho, and Rice to control the tempo. Timber and Saliba will provide defensive stability and build-up play from the back. The pace and creativity of Martinelli and Trossard will be critical to stretching Newcastle’s defence.
• Key Player: Gabriel Jesus – The Brazilian striker will lead the line for Arsenal, looking to exploit gaps in Newcastle’s defence with his movement and clinical finishing.
  

• Approach: Newcastle is likely to adopt a counter-attacking strategy, leveraging the pace of Isak and Gordon to exploit Arsenal’s high defensive line. Trippier’s absence will shift more responsibility onto Livramento and Hall to deliver crosses and support the attack.
• Key Player: Alexander Isak – Isak’s ability to hold up play, link with midfield, and run in behind the defence will be critical in Newcastle’s attacking transitions.
  

• League Position (Premier League) - Arsenal 2nd - Newcastle 4th
• Goals Scored (Last 5 matches) - Arsenal 12 - Newcastle 10
• Goals Conceded (Last 5 matches) - Arsenal 4 - Newcastle 6
• Clean Sheets - Arsenal 3 - Newcastle - 2
• Average Possession (%) - Arsenal 63 - Newcastle 52
• Shots per Match - Arsenal 14.7 - Newcastle 12.4
• xG (Expected Goals) - Arsenal 2.2 - Newcastle 1.9
  

• 2 November 2024 - Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal - Isak
• 24 February 2024 - Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle - Botman OG, Havertz, Saka, Kiwior; Willock
• 4 November 2023 - Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal - Gordon
• 3 May 2024 - Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal - Ødegaard, Martinelli
• 16 October 2023 - Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle - Saka, Gabriel Jesus; Isak
  

• Fast Starts: Arsenal has scored the opening goal in three of their last five meetings against Newcastle.
• Defensive Vulnerability: Newcastle has conceded six goals in their last two visits to the Emirates.
• Set-Piece Threats: Arsenal’s Ødegaard and Newcastle’s Tonali are pivotal in delivering dangerous set-pieces.
  

• Likely Match Dynamics: Arsenal will seek to control the game early, leveraging their home advantage and attacking quality to break down Newcastle’s defence. Newcastle, on the other hand, will aim to remain compact and rely on quick counter-attacks to create scoring opportunities.
• Key Factors: Arsenal’s ability to convert possession into clear-cut chances. Newcastle’s effectiveness in transitions and set-piece situations. The performance of returning players such as Timber will be key, as will the absence of Newcastle's suspended stars.
  

• Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle
• Likely Goal Scorers: Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard & Alexander Isak
  

• Over 2.5 Goals: With both teams boasting attacking talent, this game is likely to see three or more goals.
• Gabriel Jesus to Score First: Arsenal’s main striker is in excellent form and poses a constant threat in the box.
  

The last time Arsenal and Newcastle met in the Carabao Cup, Arsenal triumphed 4-0 at St. James’ Park in 2010. Newcastle will hope to avoid a repeat and secure a better result this time around.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.