By Karl Matchett
Large ask, huge reward
The Magpies took a 2-0 win from the Emirates a month in the past and Eddie Howe has followers dreaming of, lastly, ending the lengthy await a major trophy: the 1955 FA Cup last, nonetheless the final time they gained a significant honour. They’ve, bear in mind, by no means gained the EFL Cup. That is the chance of a era for them to have a crack at it, and all they should do…isn’t concede two towards the group who’ve simply put 5 previous Manchester Metropolis.
Change in circulate at a tough time?
Newcastle will rightly level to their very own in-form ahead, Alexander Isak. His aim within the first leg got here at a time when he additionally netted in eight Premier League video games in a row – 11 objectives in that interval – however, since then, he had one shot and failed to attain towards Bournemouth, netted twice towards backside membership Southampton, then had one shot once more and didn’t rating towards Fulham. No run of type can go on with out finish, however Newcastle will hope the prospect creation and medical edge isn’t drying up at a vastly essential time.
Latest type
As for Arsenal, they’d 23 pictures and didn’t rating in that first leg, then had 26 pictures, scored as soon as and went out within the FA Cup of their subsequent match. Since then it’s 15 objectives in six video games they usually’ve gained 5 of them. The Gunners don’t simply have some profitable rhythm once more, they’ve enormously rising confidence, notably after battering the champions in such emphatic style. Newcastle had gained 9 in a row earlier than the current loss-win-loss run, however maybe that pendulum has simply swung away from them forward of this second leg.
Crew information
Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson are the squad choices lacking at St. James’ Park, however Joelinton stays a doubt. Bruno Guimarães is again from a ban and can begin. For Arsenal, it’s the identical faces as lately who’re long-term absentees: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ben White. Neto is unavailable to play.
Key participant
Clearly, Arsenal want objectives to discover a approach again into the tie. But when they concede, that could be sport over. Goalkeeper David Raya is third within the Premier League for clear sheets (eight), fourth for save share (72.8%) and prime for lowest objectives conceded per 90 (0.9). Nonetheless, he’s additionally thirteenth for objectives prevented; with -0.1, his worth exhibits he principally concedes as many objectives as you’d count on him to from the pictures he faces – by quantity relatively than the precise reflex stops we’ve all seen highlights of. The Spaniard has had a superb season when it comes to occasional sensational influence, however right here Arsenal want him to excel.
Prediction
Arsenal to discover a route again into the match and choose up a win by two objectives…From there, choose your personal winner from the following penalty shootout!
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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