EFL Cup
Jan 7, 2025 8.00pm
0
2
HT : 0 1
FT Emirates Stadium
  • Oleksandr Zinchenko 81' yellowcard
  • goal Alexander Isak 38'
  • yellowcard Joelinton 42'
  • goal Anthony Gordon 51'
  • yellowcard Anthony Gordon 55'
  • yellowcard Tino Livramento 90'+5'

 Arsenal lineup vs. Newcastle: Predicted XI for EFL Cup semi-final first leg as Ethan Nwaneri misses out

All change on the right flank: Predicted Arsenal XI against Newcastle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be without 17-year-old gem Ethan Nwaneri for Tuesday's EFL Cup semi-final first leg at home to Newcastle United.

The teenager made Gunners history with the opening goal in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Brighton & Hove Albion before being taken off at half time, which was originally thought to have been a precautionary change given that he was on a yellow card.

However, Arteta confirmed at full time that Nwaneri had picked up a muscular injury, and he revealed in his pre-game press conference that the winger would be out for a "a few weeks", potentially ruling him out of as many as 10 matches.

Meanwhile, Kai Havertz, who has missed the Gunners' last two games due to illness, is still a slight doubt, while Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Raheem Sterling (knee), Ben White (knee) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are still sidelined too.

Nwaneri's blow will likely be Gabriel Martinelli's gain, as the Brazil international should replace the 17-year-old on the right-hand side of the attacking trident, which will also comprise Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard.

On a brighter note, Jurrien Timber is back from a ban, and the Dutchman's return will allow Thomas Partey to revert to his familiar midfield role with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard - only a substitute at the Amex - either side of him.

Timber's reintroduction could be one of two defensive alterations from Arteta, who might see fit to introduce the refreshed Myles Lewis-Skelly over Riccardo Calafiori, but William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes should shield David Raya as ever; backup goalkeeper Neto is cup-tied.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard

> Click here to see how Newcastle could line up for this game

POLL
Who will win Tuesday's EFL Cup clash between Arsenal and Newcastle?
Arsenal 54%
Draw 28%
Newcastle United 18%
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