In-form Newcastle go to Premier League rivals Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday in what should be a keenly-contested last-four showdown at the Emirates.
The Magpies are on a roll at the moment, having won their last six games in all competitions, and Eddie Howe’s side can claim a valuable draw in the away leg to leave them well placed to progress to Wembley.
- DRAW
- OVER 1.5 NEWCASTLE GOALS
- SANDRO TONALI TO SCORE AT ANY TIME
Bet On The EFL Cup
Magpies Can Gain Upper Hand In Tie
Newcastle know if they can avoid defeat at the Emirates they will have a great chance of going through to the final with the second leg to come at St James’ Park next month.
Howe’s side, who have already beaten Arsenal at home 1-0 in the Premier League this season, should approach the trip to North London on a high following impressive wins over the festive period over Ipswich, Aston Villa and Manchester United, while they continued their fine form by seeing off Tottenham 2-1 away on Saturday.
Those results have moved Newcastle into contention for a top-four finish this season but winning a trophy is also a huge ambition for the club, who last picked up silverware way back in 1969 when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
With striker Alexander Isak in red-hot form - the Swede has scored in seven consecutive league games and has 14 goals overall this season - the visitors have the firepower to hurt the Gunners on Tuesday.
Arsenal are unbeaten at home all season, though, and will also be determined to stay on course for Wembley, even if they arguably have higher priorities at the moment as they look to stay in the Premier League title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side were held to a disappointing draw at Brighton on Saturday and remain without key forward Bukayo Saka. They have big games coming up against Manchester United in the FA Cup and local rivals Spurs in the league after this semi so Newcastle could be taking on the Gunners at the perfect time.
DRAW
Visitors Have Plenty Of Goal Threats
The likelihood of the Magpies scoring at least twice at the Emirates looks high considering they have managed that feat in each of their last eight games, with Howe’s men banging in a total of 23 goals in that run.
Newcastle’s attacking options are not just limited to the prolific Isak with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Joelinton among their other threats in the final third.
Gordon’s goal at Spurs over the weekend was his fifth of the season, while Barnes also has five and Joelinton has contributed with four.
OVER 1.5 NEWCASTLE GOALS
Tonali To Star In EFL Cup Again
Sandro Tonali has been one of Newcastle’s stand-out players during their recent fine run with the Italian demonstrating his class in midfield.
The 24-year-old has yet to score in the league this season but he did bag a brace against Brentford in the previous round of the EFL Cup and he can enjoy himself at the Emirates too.
Tonali has had at least one shot in his last eight appearances for Newcastle and if he continues to try his luck in and around the penalty area then he should soon start adding goals to his otherwise impressive performances.
SANDRO TONALI TO SCORE AT ANY TIME
