Fresh off a 5-1 victory over Manchester City, Arsenal will now shift their focus to the Carabao Cup, where they face Newcastle United in the second leg of the semi-final.
The Gunners have a formidable task ahead, as they trail 2-0 from the first leg, and they will have to make a comeback in front of a hostile St James’ Park crowd. However, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six matches, and that emphatic win over City has given them a significant confidence boost.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, have been inconsistent, losing two of their last five matches. However, with a two-goal advantage, Eddie Howe’s side will surely look to sit deep and frustrate Arsenal for the full 90 minutes on Wednesday night.
Arsenal’s team news and injuries for the 2nd leg:
Thankfully, the North London side have no fresh injury concerns, but the biggest worry is Bukayo Saka’s absence, which could extend until April.
When asked about Saka’s potential return in March, Mikel Arteta told the press on Tuesday: “Saka not yet. I don’t know.”
Arsenal did not sign any new attackers during the winter transfer window, which will surely frustrate Arteta. With Saka sidelined, the manager is expected to deploy Gabriel Martinelli on the right flank once again.
Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has seen a meteoric rise in recent months, and the 18-year-old will continue at left-back.
All three of Arsenal’s midfielders contributed to the scoreline against Manchester City, and Arteta will hope for a similar performance in midweek. Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey each scored a goal, while Declan Rice provided two assists on Sunday.
With limited options in attack, Arsenal must find goal-scoring inspiration from all over the pitch because they will need to score at least three unanswered goals to make it into the final.
Kai Havertz made two goal contributions on Sunday and the German international will have to step up if Arsenal are to turn this season into a success. The forward has made 12 goal contributions in the league so far and he will have to come up with a similar tally in the second half of the season.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle United:
Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard
Attackers: Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli