Newcastle will look to give themselves a shot at silverware this season as they look to preserve their two-goal cushion against Arsenal in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals at St. James’ Park on Wedneday, February 5.
The Magpies will enter this game on the back of slightly worrying form. They have lost each of their last two home matches, and have been unconvincing to say the least. They lost 1-4 to Bournemouth, before losing 2-1 against Fulham, with both results coming in the Premier League. However, they have won the other three of their last five games in style, scoring at least three goals in each of those. They will look to take the positives from the good results, and work on their shortcomings as well.
Manager Eddie Howe will have a slight headache about one key player ahead of the next game. Joelinton picked up a knock in the defeat to Fulham and needed to be subbed off. News of his inclusion will be confirmed shortly before kick-off, but he is expected to make it. However, Callum Wilson (hamstring), Harvey Barnes (muscle) and Jamaal Lascelles (cruciate ligament) will all miss out.
That said, let’s take a look at how Newcastle could lineup against Arsenal.
Newcastle predicted XI: Willock to slot-in to face former club?
Martin Dubravka will continue his lengthy spell between the sticks for Newcastle as regular first-choice ‘keeper Nick Pope remains injured.
Valentino Livramento will start on the right side of defence, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn making the central defensive pairing alongside him. Lewis Hall will start on the left side of defence.
Skipper Bruno Guimaraes will man the midfield after missing the last fixture against the Gunners, and joining him will be Sandro Tonali and former Arsenal player Joe Willock.
Up front, Howe will continue with his trusted trio who have produced the goods consistently this season. Jacob Murphy will be on the right, Alexander Isak through the middle, while Anthony Gordon will be on the left.
Newcastle Predicted lineup vs Arsenal
Dubravka (GK); Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes (C), Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
