Newcastle vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

It is a pivotal encounter on Tyneside tonight as Newcastle and Arsenal battle it out for a place in the Carabao Cup final.

Newcastle take a two-goal lead into the second leg of the semi-final courtesy of a 2-0 victory in North London.

Brazilian midfielder Joelinton is a massive doubt for Newcastle after being forced off at the weekend against Fulham. The 28-year-old was seen wearing a precautionary brace around his knee as he departed the ground and the issue will be assessed.

Eddie Howe announced that Callum Wilson is on the mend but Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles are still unavailable. Nick Pope was named among the substitutes at the weekend and could make his first appearance since early December.

Arsenal enter this crucial clash off the back of an emphatic 5-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday. Mikel Arteta has no fresh injury concerns to contend with ahead of their trip to St James’ Park.

Everyone came through the City game unscathed, but Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus remain out.

Newcastle vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news

Form

Newcastle: WWLWL

The Magpies fell to consecutive home defeats after a late Rodrigo Muniz goal condemned them to a 2-1 loss to Fulham.

Jacob Murphy had given Eddie Howe’s side the lead before Raul Jimenez’s equaliser and Muniz’s deft finish won the match for Fulham with eight minutes to spare.

A 4-1 hammering at home to Bournemouth preceded the weekend’s misery. Justin Kluivert, son of former Newcastle striker Patrick, netted a hat-trick to condemn Newcastle to their worst home defeat since 2021.

A win at Southampton came between those defeats, but two poor home results leave the Magpies sixth in the Premier League table. However, they are only two points off the top four.

It is a huge week for the club with the outcome of both games shaping their season. After tonight’s game, they travel to League One leaders Birmingham City in the FA Cup. Eddie Howe and his players will be desperate to end a 70-year wait for major silverware.

Arsenal: DWWWW

Arsenal exorcised some demons on Sunday afternoon as they put five past Premier League champions Manchester City.

A calamitous error at the back allowed Martin Odegaard to strike first inside two minutes.

Erling Haaland restored parity after the break with a header but Thomas Partey’s deflected effort saw the hosts reclaim the lead instantly.

Goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri transformed the win into a rout as Arsenal humiliated City in North London.

Another three points saw the Gunners remain in second position and they trail league leaders Liverpool by six points.

Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round and will need to produce a comeback to avoid the same prospect tonight.

Last Meeting: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle, Carabao Cup, 7th January 2025

Last month’s meeting ended with Newcastle taking a sizeable advantage into the return leg of the semi-final.

Arsenal were typically dangerous from set-pieces in the opening exchanges. Jurrien Timber should’ve put his side in front, but he somehow headed over from a few yards out.

Gabriel Martinelli then burst through the heart of the Newcastle defence, though saw his shot cannon off the post.

The hosts were made to rue their wastefulness as Eddie Howe’s side breached David Raya’s net against the run of play.

Motionless defending allowed Alexander Isak the freedom inside the box to fire past the Spanish stopper with the help of the crossbar.

Arsenal were growing frustrated as the contest drew on as Martin Dubravka proved to be a formidable presence in the Newcastle goal. After the interval, the visitors scored a precious second.

Raya could only push Isak’s attempt into the path of Anthony Gordon who made no mistake as he rifled into the empty net.

Mikel Arteta’s outfit desperately tried to halve the deficit with the most presentable opportunity falling to Kai Havertz. Leandro Trossard’s deflected cross looped towards the German but the connection with his shoulder flew wide. The disappointing scoreline leaves Arsenal with a mountain to climb in the second leg.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Partey; Nwaneri, Odegaard, Martinelli; Havertz.

Who is the referee?

Simon Hooper will be the match official. Adrian Holmes and Simon Long will assist him while Thomas Bramall will be the fourth official. The VAR will be John Brooks and he will be assisted by Nick Hopton.

What TV channel is Newcastle vs Arsenal on?

The second leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at St James’ Park will be at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday 5th February 2025.

Newcastle vs Arsenal Match Odds

Newcastle: 12/5

Draw: 14/5

Arsenal: 1/1

Read – Arsenal boss Arteta ‘disappointed’ by lack of new signings following failed Watkins bid

See more – Howe reveals why Newcastle reluctantly made £20m transfer decision

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