Arsenal will host Newcastle United at their Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, January 7 at 8:00 PM GMT in a clash between two Premier League sides eager to have a shot at winning silverware.
The Gunners will enter this match on the back of a great run of form. They have won four of their last five matches across competition and drawn the other one, as their unbeaten run has extended to 13 games since losing to Inter Milan on November 6. They secured a relatively easy 3-2 win over Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals to advance to the semis, and will look to put their best foot forward against Newcastle.
The Magpies, on the other hand, have also been in great form of late. They have won each of their last six matches across competition as their season finally looks like it is on the up. They have scored 18 goals and conceded just two in this stunning run, keeping four clean sheets in the process as well. They defeated Brentford 3-1 in the quarters to progress, and will look to cause an upset to advance to the final.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out from both camps.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Arsenal
The Gunners will be without key players Benjamin White, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Takehiro Tomiyasu, as all of them are recovering from long-term injuries. Added to that list recently is Ethan Nwaneri, who picked up an injury in the last game. Kai Havertz is doubtful once again as he was not fit enough to play just two days ago, and could be rested. Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber will return to the fold after serving his one-game suspension.
Predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard (C), Rice, Merino; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.
Newcastle
The Magpies fielded a strong lineup in their 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur, but Sven Botman picked up a late injury and is a doubt to face Arsenal. He will be sidelined alongside long-term absentees Nick Pope, Emil Krafth, Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar has served his one-game suspension and will be available for selection. While Fabian Schär & Bruno Guimarães will both miss Newcastle’s trip to face Arsenal due to suspension.
Predicted XI: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes (C), Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Arsenal vs Newcastle Head-to-Head Record
Premier League regulars for years, these two teams have faced off with great regularity over the last decade or so. However, their recent head-to-head record is in perfect balance. Arsenal have won two of the last five meetings, Newcastle have won two, and there has been one draw.
| Date | Match | Competition |
| 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 |
| 04/01/23 | Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle | Premier League |
Arsenal vs Newcastle Prediction
Going by the recent head-to-head record, this game could go either way as both teams have put in strong performances on home soil. Newcastle will surely have the edge in the first leg as they have already defeated Arsenal once this season, albeit on their own patch. They will bring this into the game with them and it could end in a draw.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle.
MUST READ: No Kai Havertz yet again: How could Arsenal lineup to face Newcastle in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg?
