Newcastle vs Arsenal – Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg: Preview, Predictions & Lineups
Newcastle United and Arsenal are set for a thrilling second leg in their Carabao Cup semi-final clash at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night. The Magpies hold a commanding 2-0 lead after their impressive first-leg victory at the Emirates, but Arsenal’s recent resurgence in form suggests the tie is far from over.
Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a statement performance over the weekend, thrashing Manchester City 5-1 in the Premier League to maintain their title challenge. The Gunners have now won four consecutive matches in all competitions, and they haven’t lost a game in normal time since their first-leg defeat to Newcastle. However, they’ll need a near-perfect display on Tyneside to overturn their two-goal deficit and reach the Carabao Cup final.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, on the other hand, have stumbled in recent weeks, losing back-to-back home games. Despite their struggles, the Magpies will be determined to defend their advantage and secure a place in the final, where a potential clash with Liverpool or Chelsea awaits.
Match Details
- Fixture: Newcastle United vs Arsenal
- Competition: Carabao Cup Semi-Final – Second Leg
- Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle
- Date: Wednesday, 5 February 2025
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: Simon Hooper
- VAR: John Brooks
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings)
- Newcastle Wins: 3
- Arsenal Wins: 2
- Draws: 0
Newcastle have had the upper hand in recent meetings, including their crucial first-leg victory in London. However, Arsenal have already proven this season that they can dominate elite opposition, as seen in their demolition of Manchester City.
Newcastle Team News & Predicted Lineup
Newcastle’s defensive depth will be boosted by the return of key players, but injuries remain a concern for Howe.
Team News:
- Goalkeeper Nick Pope is back in contention, but Martin Dúbravka may retain his place after featuring in the first leg and the recent Premier League matches.
- Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär, both suspended for the first leg, are available again and expected to start.
- Callum Wilson remains a doubt with a hamstring issue.
- Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles are sidelined with long-term injuries.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Pope; Livramento, Schär, Botman, Hall; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Newcastle’s midfield trio will be crucial in controlling the tempo, while Isak and Gordon remain the main attacking threats.
Arsenal Team News & Predicted Lineup
With no weekend fixture due to their FA Cup exit, Arsenal have had extra time to prepare for this crucial match. Arteta is expected to field a strong XI as the Gunners look to mount a comeback.
Team News:
- Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined.
- Ben White is nearing a return but isn’t expected to feature.
- Youngster Ethan Nwaneri, who scored against Manchester City, could start again.
- Gabriel Martinelli may drop to the bench in favor of Leandro Trossard.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice; Odegaard, Nwaneri, Havertz; Trossard
Arsenal will rely on their midfield dominance and pressing game to unsettle Newcastle early on.
Key Battles to Watch
- Bruno Guimarães vs Declan Rice
- A fascinating midfield battle between two of the Premier League’s best. Rice will look to dictate play, while Guimarães aims to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm.
- Alexander Isak vs William Saliba
- Isak’s movement caused problems for Arsenal’s defense in the first leg, and Saliba will need to be at his best to keep him quiet.
- Martin Ødegaard vs Sandro Tonali
- Arsenal’s playmaker was frustrated in the first leg, and Tonali will look to limit his influence once again.
Score Prediction
While Newcastle’s recent home form is concerning, the energy at St. James’ Park on a big European-style night could help them get over the line. Arsenal, however, will be confident after their attacking explosion against Manchester City.
Expect a strong start from the Gunners as they chase an early goal. If they can score in the first half, the tie will open up dramatically. However, Newcastle’s counter-attacking prowess and defensive resilience could prove decisive.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal (Newcastle advance 3-2 on aggregate)
This could be a dramatic encounter, but Newcastle’s first-leg advantage might just be enough to carry them into the final.
Leave a Reply