Newcastle United vs Arsenal: Key Battles That Could Decide the Carabao Cup Semi-Final
With a place in the Carabao Cup final at stake, Newcastle United and Arsenal prepare for a high-stakes showdown in the semi-final second leg at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe’s men have the upper hand after securing a 2-0 first-leg victory at the Emirates Stadium last month, courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. However, despite their strong home form this season, Newcastle have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats at home to Bournemouth and Fulham, raising concerns ahead of this decisive fixture.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have built solid momentum over the past few weeks. Since their FA Cup third-round exit at the hands of Manchester United, Mikel Arteta’s side have won five of their last six games across all competitions. Their latest victory was an emphatic 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City in the Premier League, a result that will undoubtedly boost their confidence heading into this crucial second leg.
With both teams fighting for a spot in the final, several individual battles on the pitch could shape the outcome of the tie. Let’s take a closer look at three key matchups that could decide who advances to Wembley.
Gabriel Martinelli vs Lewis Hall
With Bukayo Saka still recovering from injury, Gabriel Martinelli is expected to start on the right flank in Arsenal’s 4-3-3 formation. The Brazilian has been filling in admirably, delivering a string of impressive performances, including a strong showing in the 5-1 win against Man City. His ability to take on defenders with pace and skill makes him a constant attacking threat, and Newcastle will have to be wary of his movement.
Standing in his way will be Lewis Hall, who has cemented his place at left-back this season with consistent performances. The youngster has been a key figure in Newcastle’s play on both ends of the pitch, contributing in attack while also being reliable in defense.
However, Hall’s offensive mindset could work in Martinelli’s favor. If the full-back pushes too far forward, he risks leaving space behind, which the Brazilian winger will be eager to exploit. Hall may have to adjust his approach, staying more compact defensively while picking his moments to attack. How well he handles Martinelli’s pace and dribbling ability could be a defining factor in this semi-final clash.
Alexander Isak vs Arsenal’s Centre-Backs
Newcastle’s top scorer, Alexander Isak, has been in scintillating form this season, netting 19 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions. He proved his poaching instincts in the first leg by capitalizing on a chance inside the box, further reinforcing why he is regarded as one of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards.
Keeping Isak quiet will be a major challenge for Arsenal’s defensive duo, Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba. The pair have developed a strong partnership at the back, showcasing their defensive resilience against some of the best strikers in the league. Their most recent battle saw them successfully limit Erling Haaland, despite the Norwegian managing to score a towering header.
Containing Isak will require sharp focus and excellent positioning, as the Swede’s intelligent movement and physical presence make him difficult to track. If Gabriel and Saliba can replicate their defensive solidity from the Manchester City game, Arsenal will have a much better chance of overturning the deficit and booking a spot in the final.
Martin Ødegaard vs Bruno Guimarães
A midfield battle often determines the flow and outcome of a match, and this encounter will be no different. Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal’s captain and creative spark, will be responsible for dictating play and unlocking Newcastle’s stubborn defense. The Norwegian’s vision, passing ability, and movement between the lines make him a constant threat, as seen in his early goal against Man City over the weekend.
To counter Ødegaard’s influence, Newcastle’s midfield general, Bruno Guimarães, will have to be at his absolute best. The Brazilian is the heartbeat of Newcastle’s midfield, combining **defensive
