Newcastle vs Arsenal tips and predictions: Can Havertz fire the Gunners into the Carabao Cup final?

Newcastle state of play

Newcastle United have gone 70 years without winning a major honour but are just 90 minutes away from reaching a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons. 

The Magpies have lost their last two matches at St. James’ Park, to Bournemouth and Fulham respectively, but have won the other 10 of their last 12 games in all competitions.

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Having beaten Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg, Eddie Howe’s side also won their last league meeting with the Gunners in the North East by a single goal. So Newcastle have a decent recent record when taking on their midweek opponents.

Arsenal state of play

Arsenal head up north full of confidence and belief, after firing five goals past Manchester City to keep their hopes of a first Premier League title in 21 years alive.

While many will be asking questions of what's next for Manchester City, Arsenal will be raring to go for one last match before their ten day break.

Mikel Arteta’s men have lost their last two trips to St. James’ Park, both by just one goal. They trail this tie after Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored to give the Toon Army a terrific trip to the Emirates in the first week of January.

In the seven games they’ve played since the visitors have won five. They must win at St. James’ Park for the first time since May 2023 to keep their Carabao Cup hopes alive.

Key talking point: Is the Carabao Cup Arsenal’s best chance of a trophy this season?

Mikel Arteta has been in charge at the Emirates Stadium since December 2019, with the Spaniard having spent an estimated £650m in over five years in the Gunners hot seat.

The 42-year-old won the FA Cup in his first season in charge, beating Chelsea in the final, but his only other honours have been two Community Shields in 2020 and 2023 – both as a result of a penalty shootout.

Having finished second to Manchester City twice in the past two Premier League seasons, Arsenal have been pushing to try and break City’s dominance. But with Liverpool odds-on (1/4 with BetMGM) to lift the Premier League trophy this year, fans are growing impatient at a lack of trophies.

With the club spending money like never before, in comparison to predecessor Unai Emery and especially Arsene Wenger, the hierarchy will want to see their money count for a domestic trophy or continental triumph.

England’s third most successful club have gone on too long a trophy drought by their standards.

FIRST’s top tip for Newcastle vs Arsenal

Newcastle vs Arsenal: Arsenal win (6/5 with Betway)

Arsenal got off to an electric start in their weekend win over Manchester City, and they must come to Newcastle all guns blazing in their attempts to overturn a 2-0 deficit. 

To overturn the tie is a much bigger price, whereas if they took the tie to extra-time you’d still win by backing them in 90 minutes.

Extra tips

Martin Dubravka 5+ goalkeeper saves (enhanced to 2/1 with Betway)

Whilst the home side will be roared on by a passionate Geordie crowd, the last few games may present an anxiety and nervousness amongst the Newcastle players. 

In the Magpies' last four Premier League matches – two victories and two defeats – the Slovak shot-stopper has made 19 saves against inferior sides to Arsenal. 

It should be a big night for the 36-year-old, who will hope to help his team to the final.

Kai Havertz anytime goalscorer at 43/20 (BetMGM)

Arsenal’s enigmatic German forward might not be everyone’s cup of tea but, despite missing a glorious opportunity in the first half, the 25-year-old grabbed a goal and an assist against Manchester City at the weekend. 

The Gunners’ top scorer this season is good value at over 2/1 to be the man to potentially haul them back into the cup tie. 

Team news

Hosts Newcastle United will be without Jamal Lascelles, Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson through injury. Joelinton is touch and go after going off injured in their last match against Fulham. 

While, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are still on the treatment table, so will miss the trip up north for visitors Arsenal.

Newcastle vs Arsenal predicted line-ups

Newcastle: Dubravka; Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Isak (4-3-3)

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Newcastle: WWWWWWWLWL

Arsenal: WDLLWDWWWW

Odds correct at the time of writing.