Arsenal will be looking to mount a comeback in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Newcastle United on Wednesday, at St. James' Park.
After losing 2-0 at the Emirates in the first leg, Mikel Arteta's side must win by at least three goals to advance to the final. This is a tall order, especially given Newcastle's strong form at home, but Arsenal will head into this match buoyed by their recent 5-1 demolition of Manchester City in the Premier League.
Team News:
Arsenal will still be without the services of key players Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee). Ben White is nearing a return but is unlikely to feature for this match. David Raya, who recovered from a muscle injury, is expected to continue in goal after his impressive performance against City. In defense, Arteta may keep Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back after his solid outing, while Ethan Nwaneri will be pushing for a starting role, particularly after his strong contributions in the EFL Cup this season.
In midfield, Arteta will likely stick with Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice as his starting trio, with Rice continuing to anchor the midfield. Up front, Leandro Trossard is expected to keep his place, but the versatile Gabriel Martinelli could also start alongside Kai Havertz, who has been tasked with playing further forward in the absence of Jesus and Saka.
Arsenal's potential starting lineup for this crucial clash could be:
Arsenal (4-3-3 formation)
Raya (GK)
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
Ødegaard, Partey, Rice
Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli
Kickoff Time:
The game will commence at exactly 9 PM (Nigerian Time).
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