Newcastle v Arsenal

Newcastle vs Arsenal Preview

It's advantage Newcastle United ahead of this EFL semi-final return leg against Arsenal as the north-east hosts hold a 2-0 lead prior to this Wednesday night's deciding leg at their St James' Park but Eddie Howe's side were dealt a very disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Fulham in the Premier League on the weekend.

Arsenal may find themselves 2-0 down ahead of this return leg at St James' Park but The Gunners will still fancy their chances of turning this EFL Cup tie around on Wednesday night, especially as Mikel Arteta's side registered a comprehensive 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle United have now been handed two defeats in their last three games overall which also includes a previous 4-1 thumping at home to Bournemouth but the bigger picture shows The Magpies have been dealt just these two losses in their last 12 matches in all competitions, picking up 10 wins in the process.

However, both of these losses have been incurred on home soil at St James' Park where Newcastle United have collected five wins, a draw but also three defeats in their last nine games, while the goals market also appeals for this 2nd leg tie with five out of Newcastle United's nine previous home games also resulting in both teams scoring.

Arsenal trail their upcoming hosts in this EFL Cup semi-final following a 1st leg 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium but having racked up five goals in a resounding 5-1 victory against Manchester City over the weekend, the north London side will be confident that they can extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games here on Wednesday night.

Indeed, the bigger picture shows Arsenal have been dealt just two defeats from their previous 21 games in all competitions along with collecting no fewer than 14 wins during this period as well.

Both of these losses were incurred on home soil at the Emirates Stadium following defeats in the League Cup and FA Cup to the likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United, the latter being a loss on penalties.

The goals market also appeals ahead of this return leg at St James' Park as seven out of Arsenal's last 10 matches in all competitions have also resulted in both teams hitting the back of the net, while this ratio increases to both teams scoring in eight of Arsenal's last nine outings away from home.

Newcastle United v Arsenal Verdict

Overall form over the last few weeks has been promising from both sides and therefore, both teams stand a decent chance of hitting the back of the net here in this 2nd leg tie up in the north-east on Wednesday night.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.70

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.60

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 7.00