Arsenal vs Newcastle United Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Mikel Arteta eyes propelling the Gunners into their ninth EFL Cup final appearance.

In the heart of North London, where the historic charm of Highgate Cemetery meets the vibrant energy of Camden’s streets, the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals takes us to the Emirates Stadium in North London, where Arsenal FC are scheduled to lock horns against Newcastle United.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, currently holding second place in the Premier League standings, are on the cusp of another historic moment as they aim to secure their ninth Carabao Cup final appearance. Their journey in the ongoing EFL Cup has been marked by consistent performances and key contributions from star players.

Arsenal began their campaign with a victory over Bolton Wanderers in the third round, displaying a commanding performance. In the round of 16, they comfortably overcame Preston to progress further. The quarter-finals proved to be the highlight of their run so far, with Gabriel Jesus delivering a scintillating hat-trick against Crystal Palace, ensuring Arsenal’s progression to the semi-finals.

As they prepare to face Newcastle United, Arsenal will look to capitalize on their home advantage in the first leg and aim for a decisive lead before travelling to St. James’ Park for the decisive return leg. Arteta’s side will undoubtedly focus on maintaining their momentum and tactical discipline as they pursue another shot at silverware.

Not the result your incredible support deserved.Stick with us and we'll see you again on Tuesday, Gooners 👏 pic.twitter.com/XhjZ2RBCjQ

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 4, 2025

Newcastle United FC, currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table, have showcased remarkable consistency, remaining unbeaten in their last five league outings while maintaining a flawless 100% win record during this stretch. This stellar run of form has brought them ever closer to breaking into the coveted top four, a position they are determined to secure.

In the EFL Cup, Newcastle have demonstrated their resilience and quality. Their campaign began with a comfortable victory over AFC Wimbledon in the third round, followed by a decisive triumph over Chelsea in the round of 16. Most recently, they outclassed Brentford with a convincing 3-1 win in the quarter-finals, further cementing their status as serious contenders for the title.

As they prepare for their semi-final clash against Arsenal, Newcastle will aim to carry their momentum into the first leg and seek a crucial lead to take back to their fortress, St. James’ Park. With their current form and tactical sharpness under Eddie Howe, the Magpies will be confident of making a strong statement in this high-stakes encounter.

Kick-Off:

Wednesday, 8 January 2025, at 01:30 AM IST

Location: Emirates Stadium, North London, UK

Form:

Arsenal (in all competitions): D-W-W-W-W

Newcastle (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)

Riccardo Calafiori, the 22-year-old Italian centre-back from Rome, has been making waves with his dynamic style of play and tactical versatility. After developing his skills at Roma and gaining valuable experience during a stint with Bologna, Calafiori joined Arsenal in 2024, marking a significant step in his career.

Since his arrival in North London, the promising Italian defender has featured in 11 matches, registering a goal and displaying an impressive ability to blend defensive solidity with attacking contributions. His standout performances in the Serie A during the 2023-2024 season earned him a spot in the Serie A Team of the Year, a testament to his growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest young defenders.

As Arsenal prepare for their crucial semi-final encounter, Calafiori’s marauding runs down the left flank could prove pivotal. His ability to contribute to counter-attacks while maintaining defensive composure will be key as the Gunners look to secure a commanding lead at home.

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)

Sandro Tonali, the 24-year-old Italian midfield maestro from Lodi, has been a crucial cog in Newcastle United’s midfield since his high-profile move from AC Milan in 2023. Known for his vision, composure, and exceptional passing range, Tonali has seamlessly adapted to life in the Premier League, making 25 appearances and contributing a goal to Newcastle’s impressive campaign.

His performances on the international stage have been equally commendable, with Tonali recently netting his debut goal for Italy against Belgium in a Nations League fixture, showcasing his ability to step up in critical moments.

As Newcastle United gear up for their highly anticipated Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Arsenal, Tonali’s ability to control the tempo of the game and orchestrate play from midfield will be vital. The Magpies will rely on his tactical intelligence and leadership to navigate this crucial encounter and edge closer to a coveted spot in the final.

Match Facts

• Arsenal have nearly a 44% win accuracy against Newcastle.
• They have drawn one out of their last five matches.
• Newcastle won all of their last five matches.

Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1: Match to end in a draw – 29/10 with Bet365
• Tip 2: Gabriel Jesus to be the first scorer – 5/1 with William Hill
• Tip 3: Arsenal 2-2 Newcastle – 12/1 with Skybet

Injury and Team News

Arsenal will be without the services of Ben White and Bukayo Saka for the upcoming fixture.

Newcastle, on the other hand, will most likely miss the presence of Nick Pope and Jamal Lewis in the upcoming encounter.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches: 181

Arsenal won: 81

Newcastle won: 63

Draws: 37

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Raya (GK); Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Jorginho, Merino; Nwaneri, Jesus, Trossard

Newcastle Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Dubravka (GK); Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Match Prediction

Both teams are equally capable of getting the better of each other and are in sublime form. Looking at the home advantage of Arsenal, we expect them to take a decisive lead until Eddie Howe’s men pull out a stunning comeback to culminate the match in a stalemate. Newcastle are recently coming after a comeback win over another North London-based outfit and this result seems most likely.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Newcastle

Telecast details

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports Football

US – Paramount+

Nigeria – SuperSport

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