Newcastle United vs Arsenal Match Preview (Carabao Cup Semi-Final, Second Leg)
The Carabao Cup Semi-Final second leg is set to deliver a thrilling encounter as Newcastle United vs Arsenal takes centre stage at St. James’ Park. With a spot in the final at Wembley on the line, both teams will be eager to put in a dominant display.
With key players on both sides ready to make an impact, tactical battles across the pitch will be crucial. Can Arsenal mount a stunning comeback, or will Newcastle hold firm and book their ticket to Wembley? Read on for our full Newcastle United vs Arsenal Match Preview, including team news, key battles, predicted lineups,
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, will be aiming to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit, while Eddie Howe’s Newcastle look to defend their lead and secure a place in their second successive Carabao Cup final. The Magpies will have the backing of a passionate home crowd, but the Gunners have proven their resilience in high-stakes matches this season.
🏆 Competition: Carabao Cup Semi-Final, Second Leg
⚽ Fixture: Newcastle United vs. Arsenal
📅 Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
🏟️ Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle
⏰ Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM GMT
📺 Where to Watch: Live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK; streaming available via Sky Go. In the US, available on Paramount+.
🔍 Match Preview
The Carabao Cup Semi-Final second leg sees Newcastle United host Arsenal at St. James’ Park, with a spot in the final at Wembley on the line. Newcastle holds a 2-0 lead from the first leg, putting them in a strong position, but Arsenal has shown their ability to stage comebacks in high-stakes matches.
Eddie Howe’s side will look to protect their advantage in front of a passionate home crowd, relying on their solid defensive structure and quick transitions. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will need an attacking masterclass to break down Newcastle’s disciplined backline and find the goals needed to keep their cup hopes alive.
With both teams hungry for success, expect a high-intensity battle featuring tactical adjustments, key individual duels, and moments of brilliance that could decide the tie. Will Newcastle finish the job and return to Wembley for a second successive final, or can Arsenal mount a dramatic comeback?
📊 Head-to-Head Record
| Competition | Matches Played | Arsenal Wins | Newcastle Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitions | 194 | 85 | 70 | 39 |
| Carabao Cup | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Premier League | 57 | 34 | 14 | 9 |
| FA Cup | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
Last Five Meetings:
📌 07 Jan 2025 – Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle (Carabao Cup SF, First Leg)
📌 02 Nov 2024 – Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal (Premier League)
📌 24 Feb 2024 – Newcastle 1-4 Arsenal (Premier League)
📌 04 Nov 2023 – Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal (Premier League)
📌 07 May 2023 – Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
🔎 Newcastle has won three of the last five encounters, including a crucial first-leg victory, while Arsenal will be looking to overturn their recent struggles against the Magpies.
📋 Team News & Lineups
🖤 Newcastle United
Injuries:
- Callum Wilson (Thigh Injury): Wilson is making good progress but is not yet training with the first team. He is expected to return around mid-February.
- Jamaal Lascelles (Knee Injury): Lascelles is recovering and aims to be back on the grass soon, with a potential return in mid-February.
- Harvey Barnes (Thigh Injury): Barnes has suffered a muscle injury in his thigh and is anticipated to be sidelined for about a month, targeting a mid-February return.
Doubtful:
- Joelinton (Muscle Injury): The midfielder is facing a late fitness test and remains a doubt for the second leg.
Suspensions: None
📝 Newcastle XI (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper:
🧤 Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
Defenders:
🛡️ Right-back: Kieran Trippier
🛡️ Centre-back: Sven Botman
🛡️ Centre-back: Fabian Schar
🛡️ Left-back: Dan Burn
Midfielders:
⚡ Defensive Midfielder: Lewis Hall
⚡ Defensive Midfielder: Bruno Guimaraes
⚡ Central Attacking Midfielder: Sandro Tonali
Forwards:
🎯 Right-wing: Jacob Murphy
🎯 Striker: Alexander Isak
🎯 Left-wing: Anthony Gordon
🔴 Arsenal
Injuries:
- Gabriel Jesus (Knee Injury): Jesus sustained an ACL injury and is ruled out until late November 2025.
- Bukayo Saka (Thigh Injury): Saka underwent surgery for a thigh injury and is expected to return in early April 2025.
- Ben White (Knee Injury): White is a few weeks away from returning, with a potential comeback in early February 2025.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (Knee Injury): Tomiyasu has started on-pitch activities but remains a doubt for the upcoming match, targeting a return in early February 2025.
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None
📝 Arsenal XI (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper:
🧤 Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders:
🛡️ Right-back: Jurrien Timber
🛡️ Centre-back: William Saliba
🛡️ Centre-back: Gabriel
🛡️ Left-back: Myles Lewis-Skelly
Midfielders:
⚡ Defensive Midfielder: Thomas Partey
⚡ Central Midfielder: Martin Odegaard
⚡ Central Midfielder: Declan Rice
Forwards:
🎯 Right-wing: Gabriel Martinelli
🎯 Striker: Kai Havertz
🎯 Left-wing: Leandro Trossard
🔥 Key Battles to Watch
1️⃣ Isak vs. Saliba
The battle in the box will be crucial, with Isak aiming to break through the defensive line and capitalize on any chances. Saliba will need to stay alert, anticipate movements, and ensure their positioning is spot-on to prevent any clear goal-scoring opportunities.
2️⃣ Martinelli vs. Burn
This duel could be one of the most defining of the game, as Martinelli will look to use their pace and trickery to get past Burn and deliver crosses or take shots. Meanwhile, Burn must stay disciplined and time their tackles perfectly to limit the attacking threat.
3️⃣ Rice vs. Guimarães
A key midfield contest that could dictate the game’s tempo. Declan Rice will be tasked with driving the team forward, creating chances, and controlling possession, while Bruno Guimarães will focus on breaking up play, intercepting passes, and maintaining the team’s defensive structure.
4️⃣ Gordon vs. Timber
A direct and physical battle awaits as Anthony Gordon will aim to cut inside or beat their marker on the outside to create goal-scoring opportunities. Timber must be sharp in one-on-one situations, track back quickly, and prevent the winger from delivering dangerous balls into the box.
5️⃣ Odegaard vs. Tonali
The creative spark of Odegaard will be key in unlocking the opposition’s defence, trying to find pockets of space and deliver decisive passes. Sandro Tonali will have the responsibility of staying close, cutting out those passing lanes, and ensuring they don’t get time on the ball to dictate the attack.
📈 Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)
🖤 Newcastle United
- 06 Jan 2025 – Newcastle United 3-1 Bromley (FA Cup)
- 15 Jan 2025 – Newcastle United 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League)
- 18 Jan 2025 – Newcastle United 1-4 AFC Bournemouth (Premier League)
- 25 Jan 2025 – Southampton 1-3 Newcastle United (Premier League)
- 01 Feb 2025 – Newcastle United 1-2 Fulham (Premier League)
🔎 Newcastle has shown strong form in cup competitions but has struggled for consistency in the league, winning two and losing two of their last four Premier League matches.
🔴 Arsenal
- January 18, 2025 – Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)
- January 22, 2025 – Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb (UEFA Champions League)
- January 25, 2025 – Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
- January 29, 2025 – Girona 1-2 Arsenal (UEFA Champions League)
- February 2, 2025 – Arsenal 5-1 Manchester City (Premier League)
Note: Arsenal has been in impressive form, securing four consecutive victories across all competitions, including significant wins in the UEFA Champions League and a dominant performance against Manchester City in the Premier League.
These recent performances set the stage for an intriguing Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final at Wembley.
🔮 Predictions
Arsenal will head into this second leg knowing they need a near-perfect performance to overturn their 2-0 deficit from the first leg. Mikel Arteta’s side has shown resilience in high-pressure situations, and with their recent form, they are more than capable of making this a competitive encounter.
Newcastle, however, has the advantage of playing at St. James’ Park, where they have been a formidable force this season. Eddie Howe’s team will likely set up to absorb pressure and look to hit Arsenal on the counter, using their physicality and quick transitions to threaten the Gunners’ backline.
Arsenal may control possession and create chances, but Newcastle’s defensive discipline and first-leg advantage give them room to manage the game carefully. Expect a tense, hard-fought battle where the visitors push for a comeback, but Newcastle ultimately edge through to the final.
Predicted Score:
🔴 Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal (Newcastle win 3-2 on aggregate)
Arsenal may take the win on the night, but Newcastle’s first-leg performance could prove to be the difference in securing their place at Wembley.
📣 Fan Poll
Who do you think will advance to the Carabao Cup Final?
🔘 Newcastle United – Can they hold onto their first-leg advantage and secure a spot at Wembley?
🔘 Arsenal – Will they produce a stunning comeback to turn the tie around?
Drop your predictions in the comments below! How do you see this match ending? 🏆⚽