Newcastle United lock horns with Arsenal

Boasting a two-goal first-leg advantage and seeking to end their 70-year trophy drought, Newcastle United lock horns with Arsenal under the lights at St James’ Park for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

A place in the 64th EFL Cup final is up for grabs, with the winners of this contest to take on either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on March 16.

After enjoying a club-record nine-match winning run in all competitions, Newcastle have since suffered two defeats in their last three Premier League matches, most recently losing 2-1 at home to Fulham last weekend.

Newcastle are currently sit sixth and level on points with fifth-placed Manchester City, who they face in their next top-flight fixture in just over a weeks’ time.

Before that crunch match at the Etihad, Newcastle must dust themselves down and shift their focus back to the EFL Cup, as they endeavour to reach their second domestic cup final in three years and boost their hopes of winning their first major piece of silverware since lifting the 1955 FA Cup.

Newcastle’s dip in form has come at an ideal time for an Arsenal side in high spirits after last weekend’s statement win over Man City. Entering the cauldron that is St James’ Park is daunting for many teams, but the Gunners are well-equipped to secure a positive result on Wednesday.

However, whether Arteta’s men can secure the three-goal win they require remains to be seen against a Magpies outfit that will likely frustrate the visitors and may lose on the night, but edge through on aggregate.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

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