Arsenal vs Newcastle: Preview and Betting Tips | EFL Cup 2025

Match: Arsenal vs Newcastle
When: Tuesday, 7 Jan 2025, 22:00 SAST
Where: Emirates Stadium, London

The Gunners are looking for their first trophy since 2020. Besides lifting the 2006 Intertoto Cup, Newcastle have not won major silverware since 1955.

Arsenal Form

The Gunners are unbeaten in 13 matches right now. However, they have dropped eight points in their last ten league fixtures due to four costly draws. After four straight wins in all competitions, they drew 1-1 at Fulham in early December. After beating Monaco 3-0, they could only draw 0-0 at home to Everton in the league.

Arsenal strung four wins together, beat Crystal Palace 3-2 (Carabao Cup) and 5-1 away (League). A 1-0 home win over Ipswich was followed by an impressive 3-1 win at Brentford as they allowed just 0.32 xG. On Saturday, they surrendered a lead in a 1-1 draw at Brighton as Arsenal missed four big chances.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta has a number of issues to contend with. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both ruled out but Jurrien Timber returns after suspension. Bukayo Saka faces two months out and Raheem Sterling is absent with a knee injury.

Kai Havertz has been struggling with illness and this match may come too soon for him. At best, he could make it into the bench. Ethan Nwaneri suffered a muscle injury at Brighton and will play no part. Martin Odegaard will return to the starting XI.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners want to win this cup and will play a very strong XI. A first half lead will be targeted.

Arsenal will try to attack Newcastle and get an early goal. If they manage to take the lead, they could sit back and block spaces for the Magpies to use their pace on the break.

Newcastle Form

Having had a four-match winless streak, the Magpies have responded with six straight wins in all competitions. A 4-2 loss at Brentford was put behind them by beating Leicester 4-0 at home. They won 3-1 at home to Brentford in the last round of the Carabao Cup.

A 4-0 thrashing of Ipswich on the road was followed by a highly impressive 3-0 home success over Aston Villa. Two key wins have followed, starting with a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford over Man Utd where they put up 1.92 xG. On Saturday, Newcastle won 2-1 at Tottenham with 2.45 xG and four big chances created.

Newcastle Team News

Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes are both suspended for this match. With Sven Botman unlikely to start twice in a week after injury, Lloyd Kelly could come into the XI at centre back. Sean Longstaff is set to play in midfield.

Nick Pope, Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth and Callum Wilson are out injured. Anthony Gordon is expected to shake off a minor injury to start in attack.

Newcastle Motivation

The Magpies are desperate for silverware. Eddie Howe is expected to paly his best XI.

Newcastle would see a draw as an excellent result ahead of the second leg. Even a one-goal defeat would be a disaster ahead of the match at St. James’ Park in four weeks’ time.

Key Stats

Arsenal have won just 2 of their last 6 matches vs Newcastle (3 defeats)

Arsenal are 13 matches unbeaten (9 wins, 4 draws)

Arsenal are 17 home matches without defeat (5 clean sheets in the last 6)

Newcastle have won their last 6 matches in all competitions

Newcastle have failed to score in 9 of their last 13 matches vs Arsenal.

Verdict

A tight match awaits with Newcastle in great form. Both clubs are missing key players but Newcastle may be weakened a bit too much at the back. Arsenal should win this by a one-goal margin.

Best Bet: Arsenal win at 1.66
Alternate Bet: Arsenal to reach the final at 1.62
Value Bet: Arsenal to win by exactly 1 goal at 3.60
Correct Score Tip: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle at 7.75