Newcastle vs Arsenal Prediction, Preview, H2H and Lineups

Newcastle vs Arsenal Prediction, Preview, H2H

Newcastle vs Arsenal Prediction, Preview, Head to Head, Predicted Lineups, and Team News | EFL Cup, February 5, 2025.

The stage is set for an exciting encounter between Newcastle United and Arsenal in the second leg of the 2024/25 EFL Cup semi-finals. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 8:00 PM GMT, at St. James’ Park in Newcastle. The hosts enter this match with a significant two-goal advantage after winning the first leg 2-0 at the Emirates, but with Arsenal’s high level of performance recently, the Gunners will be looking to overturn that deficit.

With both teams showing varying forms of late, let’s break down the key elements leading up to the game: team news, predicted lineups, key players, head-to-head record, and our prediction for the match.

Newcastle United’s Recent Form and Team News

Newcastle United, managed by Eddie Howe, has been in somewhat mixed form lately. With three wins and two losses in their last five matches across all competitions, the Magpies have shown both strength and vulnerability. Notably, Newcastle scored 11 goals in this period but also conceded 8, a stat that may be of concern as they prepare to face a high-scoring Arsenal side. Their recent home form has been particularly disappointing, having suffered back-to-back defeats against Bournemouth (1-4) and Fulham (1-2).

The Magpies will need a more solid performance, especially after conceding in their last few outings. Manager Eddie Howe will have to prepare his players to handle the pressure as Arsenal will come out fighting, knowing they need at least a two-goal victory to force extra time or penalties.

Injury News: Newcastle’s squad will be missing a few key players due to injury. Callum Wilson (hamstring), Harvey Barnes (muscle injury), and Jamaal Lascelles (cruciate ligament injury) will not feature. Joelinton also picked up a knock in the last match, but it is expected that he will be fit for this crucial encounter.

Arsenal’s Recent Form and Team News

Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, comes into this match in fantastic form, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions, with one draw. In their most recent match, the Gunners made a statement with a 5-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City, which should give them plenty of confidence heading into the second leg of the semi-final. Arsenal have been solid defensively, conceding just four goals in their last five matches, and have kept two clean sheets.

However, despite their strong form, Arsenal finds themselves two goals down from the first leg and will need to perform at their best to overcome the deficit. Arteta will rely on his attacking players to break down Newcastle’s defense and turn the tie in their favor.

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Injury News: Arsenal will be without several key players for this match. Benjamin White (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), and Gabriel Jesus (cruciate ligament injury) are all sidelined. The Gunners will have to adapt to these absences, but they have plenty of depth to compensate.

Newcastle vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups

Both teams have talented squads, but injuries and suspensions will impact the lineups for this vital match. Here’s how the two sides are expected to line up:

Newcastle Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
Defenders: Valentino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (C), Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock
Forwards: Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon

Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori
Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (C), Thomas Partey, Declan Rice
Forwards: Ethan Nwaneri, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli

Head-to-Head Record

In their recent encounters, both Newcastle and Arsenal have shared the spoils almost equally. Over the last five matches, Newcastle have won 3 of the encounters, while Arsenal have won 2. The most recent encounter was a 2-0 victory for Newcastle at the Emirates in the first leg of this semi-final, giving them a crucial advantage.

Here’s a look at their last five meetings:

08/01/25: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle (EFL Cup)
02/11/24: Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal (Premier League)
25/02/24: Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle (Premier League)
04/11/23: Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal (Premier League)
07/05/23: Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal (Premier League)

Key Players to Watch

Alexander Isak (Newcastle): Newcastle’s Swedish striker Alexander Isak has been in excellent form, scoring 19 goals and providing 5 assists in 25 matches this season. Isak has also netted two goals in the EFL Cup, and with his pace and clinical finishing, he will be crucial if Newcastle are to hold onto their advantage. In his last five games, Isak has been directly involved in six goals, scoring five and providing one assist. His ability to get in behind defenders could prove pivotal against an Arsenal defense that is missing key players.

Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal): Arsenal’s rising star Ethan Nwaneri has impressed in the EFL Cup this season, scoring three goals in the competition. The winger has been in fine form, scoring seven goals in 22 appearances this season. Nwaneri is expected to be given a start in this crucial match, and with his flair, technical ability, and eye for goal, he could be the spark that Arsenal needs to mount a comeback.

Newcastle vs Arsenal Prediction

This match is poised to be a thrilling contest. While Newcastle holds a two-goal advantage from the first leg, Arsenal’s recent form, especially their demolition of Manchester City, gives them significant momentum. The Gunners will have to be at their best to break down Newcastle’s defense and overturn the deficit.

Despite Newcastle’s home advantage, Arsenal’s attacking prowess and quality players like Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz could make all the difference. We predict that Arsenal will win this match 3-0, securing their place in the final of the EFL Cup.

Soccer Baba Predicted Score: Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal

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