Newcastle United is gearing up to face Arsenal in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final. This crucial match is scheduled to take place at St James’ Park on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Newcastle United hold a 2-0 advantage from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, and the pressure is on both teams to secure a spot in the final. The winners will progress to Wembley Stadium on March 16 to compete for the EFL Cup trophy, where they will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur, who are also battling in the other semi-final. For both teams, the stakes could not be higher. While Arsenal are aiming to win their first EFL Cup since 1993, Newcastle are looking to end a 70-year trophy drought and secure their first major piece of silverware since they won the FA Cup in 1955
Newcastle United have experienced a rollercoaster ride of form recently. They started the season with a record-breaking nine-match winning streak in all competitions, which was an impressive feat. However, in the past month, their form has dipped, with two defeats in their last three Premier League matches. Their most recent loss came at home to Fulham, where they were defeated 2-1 despite taking the lead through Jacob Murphy in the first half. The Magpies were unable to hold onto their lead, and Fulham mounted a strong second-half comeback to snatch the three points. This defeat was particularly significant as it marked Newcastle’s second consecutive home loss, a situation they had not faced since January/February of 2021. Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, expressed his disappointment with his team’s performance, admitting that they were “nowhere near” their best. The defeat also meant that they missed out on an opportunity to move back into the Premier League’s top four. Despite this setback, Newcastle remain in sixth place and are level on points with fifth-placed Manchester City. Howe’s side will next face City in the Premier League, but before that crucial match, they must refocus their attention on the EFL Cup.
In the first leg of this semi-final, Newcastle United were in excellent form, winning 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon both found the back of the net in a commanding display by the Magpies. This performance gave them a valuable two-goal cushion heading into the second leg. With that win, they are now hoping to secure their fourth victory in their last five encounters with Arsenal in all competitions. Their strong record against the Gunners will give them added confidence heading into the second leg at St James’ Park. This match represents an opportunity for Newcastle to reach their second domestic cup final in three years. It is a chance to finally end their 70-year wait for a major trophy, which dates back to their FA Cup victory in 1955. With a place in the final at stake, the atmosphere at St James’ Park will undoubtedly be electric.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have been in better form recently, but they find themselves in a difficult situation in this semi-final tie. After suffering a disappointing defeat to Newcastle in the first leg, Arsenal bounced back in their next matches with strong performances. The Gunners have won five of their last six games across all competitions, including a stunning 5-1 victory over Manchester City. This dominant performance over City was a statement victory that boosted Arsenal’s slim title hopes in the Premier League. The win at the Emirates sent a message to the rest of the league, showing that Arsenal are still a force to be reckoned with, even if they are currently six points behind leaders Liverpool. Despite the euphoria of that win, Arsenal’s focus must now shift to the EFL Cup, as they are in the semi-finals for only the third time in the last 14 years. They have only won the competition twice in their history, with their last EFL Cup victory coming in 1993. Arsenal will be hoping to add another EFL Cup to their collection, and they will be aiming to overturn their two-goal deficit from the first leg.
For Arsenal to make it to the final, they will need to win the second leg by at least three goals. This is a challenge they have not achieved against Newcastle since 2010, when they won 4-0 in an EFL Cup fourth-round tie. Arsenal’s recent away form has been strong, with six wins in their last eight matches across all competitions. However, winning by three goals at St James’ Park will be a tall order, especially considering Newcastle’s defensive solidity and their strong home support. Arsenal will need to produce one of their best performances of the season to overcome this challenge and advance to the final. Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has urged his players not to get too carried away with their recent victory over Manchester City. Although that win was a significant result, Arsenal still sit in second place in the Premier League, and they are six points behind Liverpool. The title race is far from over, and Arsenal must remain focused on their immediate task of trying to secure a place in the EFL Cup final.
In terms of injuries, both teams have key players sidelined. Newcastle United are still without Harvey Barnes, who is recovering from a muscle injury, and Jamaal Lascelles, who is out with an ACL injury. Callum Wilson, who has been out for over two months with a hamstring injury, could make a return to the matchday squad, although his involvement is not yet guaranteed. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Nick Pope has returned to full fitness after recovering from a knee injury. He has been a substitute in the last two matches, but Eddie Howe is expected to make a decision on whether to recall him to the starting lineup or continue with Martin Dubravka in goal. In defense, Howe may choose to bring Sven Botman back into the starting lineup, possibly at the expense of either Fabian Schar or Dan Burn. Joe Willock, who missed the first leg through suspension, is also pushing for a starting spot in midfield. Bruno Guimaraes, who was unavailable for the first leg due to suspension, will also return to the team and is expected to start in the second leg.
Arsenal have injury concerns of their own. Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with an ACL injury, and Bukayo Saka is still recovering from a hamstring issue. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also out due to a knee injury. Ben White, who has been out for some time with a knee injury, is close to making his return, but this match might come too soon for him. In terms of other injuries, David Raya was able to recover from a muscle injury in time to start in Arsenal’s recent win over Manchester City, and he is expected to keep his place in goal. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who impressed in Arsenal’s last match, will be hoping to retain his spot at left-back ahead of Riccardo Calafiori. Ethan Nwaneri, who has scored three goals in the EFL Cup this season, will also be pushing for a place in the starting lineup. Nwaneri could replace either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard in attack, depending on Arteta’s tactical preferences
For Newcastle United, the possible starting lineup includes Nick Pope in goal, with Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, and Lewis Hall in defense. In midfield, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton are expected to start, while Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Gordon will make up the attacking trio.
For Arsenal, David Raya will be in goal, with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in defense. The midfield trio is likely to consist of Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice, while Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard will lead the attack.
The second leg of this semi-final is set to be a tense and closely contested match. Newcastle United will head into the game with a two-goal advantage, but Arsenal’s recent form, particularly their win over Manchester City, will give them confidence. The pressure will be on Arsenal to score at least three goals in order to progress to the final, and they will need to be at their best to overcome the challenge at St James’ Park.
Newcastle, on the other hand, will be determined to defend their aggregate lead and book their place in the final. They will have the advantage of playing at home, with a passionate and supportive crowd behind them. While Arsenal’s attacking quality is undeniable, Newcastle’s defense has been solid throughout the season, and they will be difficult to break down.
In the end, the prediction is that Arsenal will win the second leg 2-1, but Newcastle will progress to the final with a 3-2 aggregate score. The match is likely to be a closely fought contest, with both teams giving everything to secure a spot in the final. The outcome will depend on whether Arsenal can produce a commanding performance to overturn the deficit and whether Newcastle can withstand the pressure and hold on to their lead.
