Arsenal are set for a big test at St. James’ Park, and Mikel Arteta could name an unchanged lineup to overcome the two-goal deficit.
Arsenal will visit St. James’ Park with the aim of overcoming Newcastle United, who have a two-goal advantage in the EFL Cup semi-final. The Magpies were the better team at the Emirates. Still, Mikel Arteta will be confident of a positive result in the second leg following a stellar win over Manchester City on Sunday.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta explained why they could not sign a new attacker in the window and highlighted the importance of Kai Havertz. The Gunners boss also touched on the importance of the game ahead, especially with Arsenal needing to overcome a challenging deficit to reach Wembley.
On the injury front, there seem to be no fresh issues following Sunday’s victory. Arteta also updated on Ben White’s situation while remaining coy on when Bukayo Saka might return. He said, “There’s no news from the game against City, Ben [White] is still out. Hopefully after the break, he will be available, Saka not yet.”
The Spaniard also highlighted Havertz’s importance and impact, saying, “Kai has played so many games and been so important when other players, some big players as well, were available. So it’s not because a player is not coming into his position that he’s going to be more important. In my opinion, it’s nothing to do with that.”
Regarding the team selection, Arteta will likely name an unchanged lineup for this clash, considering there is a considerable gap between this game and the next. Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes will keep their places, while Myles Lewis-Skelly will certainly start after his tremendous display against Manchester City.
Thomas Partey and Declan Rice will control the midfield alongside Martin Odegaard. Mikel Merino and Jorginho will be stationed on the bench, thus adding depth to the midfield positions.
While Ethan Nwaneri capped an impressive cameo with a stunning strike against Manchester City, Arteta will continue to manage his minutes, especially in a game of such importance. Kai Havertz will lead the line, while Gabriel Martinelli will continue on the right with Leandro Trossard on the left.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard