Newcastle United vs. Arsenal | EFL Cup | Semi-Finals | Pre Match

Boasting a two-goal first-leg advantage and seeking to end their 70-year trophy drought, Newcastle United lock horns with Arsenal under the lights at St James' Park for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday night. This highly anticipated clash promises to be a spectacle as both sides vie for a spot in the prestigious final at Wembley Stadium on March 16, where they will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle enter this fixture with a blend of confidence and apprehension. They had been riding the high of a club-record nine-match winning streak in all competitions, a run that showcased their growing stature under Eddie Howe. However, recent results have dampened spirits, with two defeats in their last three Premier League matches. Their latest setback, a 2-1 home loss to Fulham, was particularly disheartening as it marked consecutive home defeats for the first time in a year. Jacob Murphy’s first-half strike had initially set the Magpies on course for victory, but a spirited second-half comeback from the Cottagers saw Newcastle lose their way and ultimately the match.

The frustration was palpable for Howe, who lamented his side’s performance as “nowhere near” their usual standards. The missed opportunity to reclaim a top-four spot in the Premier League adds further pressure on Newcastle, who currently sit sixth, level on points with fifth-placed Manchester City. Their upcoming clash with City at the Etihad looms large, but before they turn their attention to the league, they must focus on securing their place in the EFL Cup final.

A return to the domestic cup final would be a significant milestone for Newcastle, as they aim to clinch their first major silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 1955. Their 2-0 first-leg victory at the Emirates, courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, has put them in a commanding position. The Magpies have won four of their last five encounters with Arsenal in all competitions, further reinforcing their belief that they can complete the job on home soil.

Meanwhile, Arsenal arrive in the North East with renewed vigor and momentum. Following their first-leg loss to Newcastle and a heart-wrenching FA Cup third-round exit at the hands of Manchester United on penalties, Mikel Arteta’s men have responded emphatically. They have won five and drawn one of their last six matches across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two in their last four outings.

Their latest triumph, a 5-1 demolition of Manchester City at the Emirates, sent shockwaves through English football. Arsenal delivered a masterclass in attacking football, exposing City’s defensive vulnerabilities and reasserting themselves as serious contenders in the Premier League title race. However, Arteta has cautioned his players against overconfidence, reminding them that they still sit second in the league, six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who hold a game in hand.

For Arsenal, winning the EFL Cup would provide a much-needed morale boost, especially considering their surprisingly modest history in the competition. The Gunners have only won the trophy twice, with their last triumph coming in 1993. This semi-final represents just their third appearance in the last four over the past 14 years, and they have only managed to reach the final twice in that period. Overcoming a two-goal deficit will be a formidable challenge, especially given Newcastle’s defensive solidity at St James’ Park.

Arsenal’s task is made even more daunting by the statistics. They have not won at Newcastle by a margin of three or more goals since a 4-0 victory in October 2010, which also came in the EFL Cup. However, their recent away form offers some hope, with six wins in their last eight matches across all competitions, three of which have been by three or more goals. Arteta will be hoping his side can replicate such dominant performances when it matters most.

Newcastle, however, are dealing with squad concerns. Harvey Barnes (muscle) and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) remain sidelined, and Callum Wilson faces a race against time to return after an eight-week layoff with a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Nick Pope, who has missed 11 games due to a knee injury, has been on the bench in the last two outings. Howe now faces a crucial decision on whether to restore his first-choice goalkeeper or persist with Martin Dubravka between the posts.

In defense, Sven Botman is in contention to return, potentially displacing either Fabian Schar or Dan Burn. In midfield, former Arsenal player Joe Willock is pushing for a starting role ahead of Joelinton or Sandro Tonali, while Bruno Guimaraes, who missed the first leg due to suspension, is expected to return to the starting XI.

Arsenal also have injury concerns, with Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) all ruled out. Ben White is nearing a return from a long-term knee issue, but this fixture might come too soon for him. On a positive note, goalkeeper David Raya shrugged off a muscle injury to feature against Man City and is expected to retain his place in goal.

Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, who impressed in his first senior goal-scoring performance at left-back last weekend, will be hoping to keep his place ahead of Riccardo Calafiori. Meanwhile, Ethan Nwaneri, who has netted three times in the EFL Cup this season, is eager to break into the starting lineup, potentially replacing either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard.

With everything to play for, both teams will approach this fixture with intensity and ambition. Newcastle will look to capitalize on their home advantage and defensive resilience, while Arsenal will aim to harness their attacking firepower to overturn the deficit. The stakes are high, and for both clubs, reaching the EFL Cup final could serve as a stepping stone to greater success this season.