Mikel Arteta's men travel to the north-east knowing they’ll have to overturn a two-goal deficit to reach a first EFL Cup final since 2018. Having last won a major trophy almost seven decades ago, Newcastle fans will be desperate to return to Wembley for another shot at glory. The Magpies suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the 2023 final of this competition.
Watch the drama unfold on Sky Sports Main Event, as two Premier League titans go head-to-head in what promises to be an absorbing cup tie.
Newcastle v Arsenal – key information
Date: Wednesday, February 5th
First leg score: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle
Kick-off time: 8.00pm (GMT)
Venue: St. James Park
Referee: Simon Hooper
VAR: As per the first leg, VAR will be in place for the match. John Brooks will be the lead VAR, with Nick Hopton on Assistant VAR duties.
TV Channels: Sky Sports Football/ Main Event (UK) | Paramount+ (US) | DAZN Canada (Canada)
Odds:
Bet365: Newcastle 21/10, Draw 27/10, Arsenal 23/20
Coral: Newcastle 11/5, Draw 13/5, Arsenal 23/20
Newcastle team news
Eddie Howe appears a little short on attacking options, having to burden the weight of several absentees.
Brazilian midfielder Joelinton – a player who has featured in all five of the Magpies' previous EFL fixtures this term – is a major doubt after hobbling off with a knee complaint at the weekend. A long-term thigh injury keeps Harvey Barnes sidelined, while fellow winger Miguel Almirón returned to MLS outfit Atlanta United ahead of the closure of the January transfer window.
However, regular starters Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär are available for selection, having missed the first leg of the semi-final through suspension. In-demand centre-forward Alexander Isak remains at St. James Park following intense transfer speculation, with Wednesday’s night opponents particularly keen on the Swedish international.
Newcastle confirmed line-up v Arsenal (5-4-1)
Martin Dúbravka (GK); Kieran Tripper, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon; Aleksander Isak.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal are still saddled with an extensive injury list, compelling Mikel Arteta to shuffle the pack once more.
Three days after eliminating Crystal Palace from the EFL Cup at the quarter-final stage, Bukayo Saka picked up a hamstring injury against the Eagles at Selhurst Park. The English international has since undergone surgery, but is expected to be out for the foreseeable future. Full-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu continue their respective rehabilitations, with neither likely to see much action before the end of February. Gabriel Jesus won’t play until the 2025/26 campaign.
Former Barcelona ‘keeper Neto is cup-tied, having played in the second round of the competition for parent club Bournemouth.
Arsenal confirmed line-up v Newcastle (4-3-3)
David Raya (GK); Jurrien Timber; William Saliba; Gabriel Magalhães; Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Ødegaard; Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard.
Where to watch on TV or live stream?
Viewers can catch the action on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, with Sky Ultra HDR customers able to watch in ultra-high definition. For those based in North America, the U.S. audience can witness the semi-final clash on Paramount+, while Canadians should tune into DAZN Canada.
Head-to-Head record
Newcastle head into Wednesday night’s encounter having lost in their last two outings at St. James’ Park, succumbing to Bournemouth and Fulham on home turf. Those defeats come after a blistering run of form following the first-leg victory over Arsenal, with the Magpies winning their next seven matches in all competitions.
Having thumped Manchester City in North London on Sunday afternoon and won all but one fixture following a premature FA Cup exit in mid-January the Gunners are currently in high spirits. It’s been over 20 years since an Arsenal captain held the League Cup aloft, so expect Arteta to field his strongest possible XI.
The last two meetings between these sides at St. James Park ended in narrow 1-0 victories for Newcastle, with Arsenal having failed to record a victory on Tyneside since May 2023. However, the North Londoners did put four past Eddie Howe’s men at the Emirates last February.
Odds for Newcastle v Arsenal
Over/Under 1.5 goals
Bet365: 11/50 (over), 3/1 (under)
Coral: 1/4 (over), 13/5 (under)
Ladbrokes: 1/4 (over), 13/5 (under)
Both teams to score
Bet365: 67/100 (yes), 11/10 (no)
Coral: 67/100 (yes), 11/10 (no)
Ladbrokes: 67/100 (yes), 21/20 (no)
To qualify
Bet365: 7/50 (Newcastle), 9/2 (Arsenal)
Coral: 7/50 (Newcastle), 4/1 (Arsenal)
Ladbrokes: 7/50 (Newcastle), 4/1 (Arsenal)