Newcastle vs Arsenal Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Newcastle:
Pope; Livramento, Botman, Schar, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Arsenal:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
Newcastle United will welcome Arsenal to St James Park in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. As You probably know, the Magpies won 2:0 the first match played at the Emirates. Alexander Isak scored in the first half to set Newcastle on the way to their win, while Anthony Gordon doubled the visitors' lead in the 51st minute, converting the rebound after Raya could only parry Isak's shot. Arsenal also had chance to score, but Gabriel Martinelli had hit the post when the game was goalless, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba also failing to score with close-range headers. Newcastle have never won the League Cup, but will make their second final in three seasons if they avoid defeat, or lose by a one-goal margin in this match. Liverpool host Tottenham in the second semi-final on Thursday, with the final at Wembley on 16 March.
Newcastle have two-goal advantage from the first match and they will secure the final even with a narrow defeat. The Magpies have eliminated some strong opponents on their way to the semi-finals, like Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. Nevertheless, the current form is mixed, they have two wins and two defeats on the last four matches. Newcastle beat Wolverhampton and Southampton, but suffered painful defeats from Bournemouth and Fulham. To be worse, both defeats came at home. Manager Edie Howe now must find a way to keep the players fully focused the whole 90 minutes. In addition, Howe will once again be without the injured Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes. On the positive note, goalkeeper Nick Pope has recovered and could start for the first time since December 7th.
Arsenal had a relatively easy path to the semi-final. They managed to eliminate Bolton, Preston and Crystal Palace so far in the competition. However, it look like their journey will come to their end here. It won't be easy to obtain a high victory. But if some team could do, that's Arsenal. And particularly now, when the players confidence is 'High as Everest'. Just three days ago the Gunners demolished the reigning champions Manchester City, winning 5:1 in the Premier League. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent, while the players confidence is high. But Arteta has issues ahead of this game. The biggest problem is some players need rest, but two key players - Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus - remain out injured. That's not all as Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will also be absent.
Newcastle vs Arsenal Prediction:
Arsenal lost 2:0 the first leg and now they have no space for calculations. The Gunners need a high victory or they will be eliminated. But Newcastle are not naive opponents. The Magpies have won three of their last four mutual games against Arsenal, though they did suffer a 4:1 defeat at the Emirates in February last year. Arsenal are definitely capable to upset Newcastle, particularly knowing they beat Manchester City 5:1 on Sunday. It is hard to predict the winners, but I think at least three goals should be scored at St James Park.
Newcastle vs Arsenal Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.90 with
Pinnacle