Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE: Team information and line-ups from Carabao Cup semi-final as hosts goal Wembley
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Newcastle United host Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final when the teams clash at St. James’ Park this evening.
Eddie Howe’s men triumphed 2-0 in the first leg in an impressive victory away from home with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scoring either side of half-time to give the Magpies a decent aggregate lead heading into this match. However, Newcastle have lost two of their last three matches and come into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat at home versus Fulham. This slight dip in form may be concerning as they face a confident Arsenal side.
Mikel Arteta’s men defeated Manchester City 5-1 in their last outing extending their unbeaten run to six games. They are staying in touch with Liverpool in the Premier League title race and will bring a determined focus to overturn the deficit.
Follow all the action from St. James’ Park with our live blog below:
Why Arsenal didn’t sign a striker in January and how Alexander Isak could make them regret it
They already knew he was impossible to get in the January window. They’re aware it won’t be far off impossible in the summer, perhaps even harder than pinning him down at St James’ Park to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
If it will no doubt irritate people at Newcastle United to start discussion of a semi-final second leg with talk of potentially selling their star, it is naturally framed by Monday, and what happened in the last few days.
Howe on Llyod Kelly’s departure
Former Newcastle player Lloyd Kelly exited the club in the closing stages of the January Transfer Window having made the switch to Juventus.
Eddie Howe was asked about his departure and revealed: “We were very reluctant from our side because Lloyd is a player that had recently signed. We believed in him and his qualities. It was slightly frustrating for him that he hadn’t play more in part due to the other players in form around him.
“We’re in a world of trying to manage PSR and try to make decisions that benefit us in the long-term and this is one of those decisions. Lloyd leaves with our best wishes. I’m sure he’ll do well in Italy and it’s an exciting, new challenge for him.”
Eddie Howe issues injury update
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe provided an injury update on Callum Wilson and Joelinton.
The crucial midfielder hurt his knee in Newcastle’s Premier League outing with Fulham and Howe said: “Joey was, after the game, put in a knee brace just as a precaution and is out of that now.
“We’ll assess how he is with this game and I would say he is a doubt but we will give him every chance to be fit.
“Our centre midfield, we have good strength in depth in that position currently. Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley – three quality players who will all bring something different and can step in.”
Speaking of Wilson he added: “There is a chance (with Callum). We have another training session to get through so we will see. Let’s get through training before we make a decision.”
What happened in the first leg?
Newcastle made the trip to the Emirates Stadium and successfully came away with a crucial lead in the tie.
Alexander Isak scored before half-time and almost added a second after the break but his shot was pushed wide.
Luckily for the Magpies it fell to Anthony Gordon who tapped home to ensure Eddie Howe’s men left London with a two goal advantage.
Newcastle and Arsenal now meet at St James’ Park in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals with the hosts aiming to move one step closer to a first major trophy in 56 years.
The two reasons behind Arsenal and Man Utd’s frustrating January transfer window
As the window closed on Monday evening, there were only a few clubs – maybe Manchester City and Aston Villa – who were in any way satisfied with their business.
A huge problem was that the extra costs required in this window would almost certainly have affected better business later.
Newcastle vs Arsenal prediction
Despite Arsenal’s resounding victory over Manchester City, Newcastle will make it far more difficult for the Gunners in attack and will offer a threat of their own going forward.
Expect a close game and maybe some surprises but Eddie Howe’s team should have enough ability on the pitch to reach the final.
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal (Newcastle progress 3-1 on aggregate)
Arsenal realy team news
Mikel Arteta has no new injury concerns after the win over Man City, though both Bukayo Saka and Ben White are still a few weeks away from a return.
Takehiro Tomiyasu looks like a longer-term absentee, while Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out for the rest of the season after his ACL injury.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli.
Newcastle’s early team news
For Newcastle, the only long-term absentees are Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles. Callum Wilson could make a return to the squad after a longer lay-off.
Joelinton could be another doubt after coming off against Fulham with a knee problem, with Joe Willock in line to replace him as he did at the weekend.
Predicted Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
