Arsenal will have their work cut out for them as they prepare to travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals on February 5. The Magpies carry a two-goal cushion into this game from their 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium last month.
Since that defeat, however, the Gunners also fell out of the FA Cup, but have won five and drawn one game since. This resurgent form has seen the north Londoners secure some vital results such as a 2-1 win against Tottenham, defeating Wolves after being down to 10 men, and their heroic 5-1 hammering of defending champions Manchester City last time out. With confidence on their side, Arsenal will look to continue their strong run of form.
Luckily for manager Mikel Arteta, the team has not suffered any more injuries or picked up any more suspensions. As of now, they have the same players who were in the squad to face City, who will travel to Newcastle later this week. Four absentees are Ben White (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Gabriel Jesus (cruciate ligament).
That said, let’s take a look at how they could lineup.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle: Arteta to make couple of rotations?
David Raya will continue his spell between the sticks for Arsenal, having made two exceptional saves in the last match to deny Man City.
In front of him, Jurrien Timber will start at the right-back spot, with the central defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes alongside him. Arteta will rest Myles Lewis-Skelly after the ups and downs he has faced this week, with Riccardo Calafiori expected to start on the left.
In midfield, things will pretty much remain the same. Captain Martin Odegaard will start alongside anchor man Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice, who bagged two assists in the last match.
Up front, Ethan Nwaneri will get the nod after his two goals in his last two appearances off the bench this week. He will start on the right flank, meaning Gabriel Martinelli will return to his preferred left side. Kai Havertz will lead the line for Arsenal.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle
Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard (C), Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli.
