Newcastle United have a two-goal lead over Arsenal heading into the second leg of this EFL Cup semi-final, but the Magpies have not been at their best recently and may fall to defeat against an in-form away team.
Mikel Arteta’s side thrashed Manchester City 5-1 on Sunday and cannot be as wasteful in front of goal as they were in the first leg, setting up an intriguing second game between these two sides.
Arsenal to win - 6/5
Arsenal were the last team to lose at home in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals and win on the road to progress to the final.
That was against deadly rivals Tottenham back in 1987, demonstrating the size of the task at hand when they visit St James’ Park for this second leg against Newcastle.
The Magpies were ruthless in front of goal in the first leg, with Alexander Isak finishing the first goal and setting up the second.
By contrast, the Gunners accumulated an expected goals figure of 3.76 without hitting the net and are likely to be sharper in front of goal this time around.
Since that loss and an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, Arteta’s side have won five and drawn one of their last six outings.
In that run they have beaten Spurs and Girona and hammered Premier League defending champions Man City 5-1.
In contrast, Newcastle have lost their last two home games, 4-1 to Bournemouth and 2-1 to Fulham and have lacked their usual intensity in those matches.
Eddie Howe has been dealt another blow with key midfielder Joelinton looking like a major doubt for this clash after picking up a knee injury against the Cottagers last time out.
Arsenal have missed Bukayo Saka recently, but young guns Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have stepped up and impressed for the London club, as well as Martin Odegaard recapturing top form.
The visitors have won nine of their 13 cup games this season and look a solid selection to get the better of a home side who may look to shut up shop.
Whether the two-goal advantage is too much for the Gunners to overcome remains to be seen, with the hosts aiming to reach the final of this competition for the second times in three seasons.
Ethan Nwaneri to score at anytime - 9/2
Nwaneri has long been one of Arsenal’s brightest young talents, breaking the record for youngest Premier League debutant when he made his first appearance at just 15 years of age against Brentford.
Now 17, the Hale End graduate has made a big impact this term, scoring seven goals in all competitions despite making just seven starts.
The midfielder found the net once again at the weekend to put the cherry on top of a dominant performance for the Gunners and he looks a tempting price to get on the scoresheet in this game.
Bruno Guimaraes to commit over 1.5 fouls - Evs
An injury to Joelinton could be a big issue for Newcastle, who will miss his physicality in midfield.
His fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes could be forced to play a more combative role in Joelinton’s absence and is fancied to commit two or more fouls.
The 27-year-old has committed 36 in the Premier League already this term and his propensity to be fouled himself means he could get embroiled in a midfield scrap.
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Newcastle United - 21/10
Draw - 13/5
Arsenal - 6/5
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.