EFL Cup Semi Final Tips: Arsenal to Beat Newcastle?
The second leg of an intriguing pair of EFL Cup semi-finals take place this midweek, with Arsenal visiting Newcastle United and Liverpool hosting Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners are looking to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg to deny the Magpies a second trip to the final of this competition in the last two seasons when the pair face off on Wednesday.
Defending champions Liverpool are 1-0 down from their first-leg game against Tottenham but will have home advantage as they look to continue their impressive season on all fronts.
Here we pick out the best bets for the two cup clashes.
Tip 1 - Arsenal to beat Newcastle @ 59/50
Arsenal racked up an expected goals tally of 3.76 in the first leg of this EFL Cup semi-final against Newcastle but failed to find the net while the Magpies were clinical in front of goal, with Alexander Isak scoring the first goal and creating the second for Anthony Gordon.
Since that first-leg loss and an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, Mikel Arteta’s men have been back to near their best and will provide a stern challenge to the home team in this one.
The Gunners have won five and drawn one of their last six games, including victories over rivals Tottenham and Girona as well as a 5-1 hammering of Manchester City last time out.
Newcastle on the other hand have lost their last two home games, 4-1 to Bournemouth and 2-1 to Fulham, and have been lacking their trademark intensity in those matches.
Eddie Howe is also sweating on the fitness of key midfielder Joelinton, who is a doubt with a knee injury.
Arsenal have won nine of their 13 cup games this season and look set to extend that record with another success over Newcastle, who will have to hope their first-leg advantage is enough to see them progress.
Tip 2 - Cody Gakpo to score at anytime v Tottenham @ 31/20
Mohamed Salah has rightfully taken the plaudits for Liverpool’s attacking success this season but Cody Gakpo has also been a key reason that the Reds have been so dominant this term.
The Dutchman has scored 15 goals in all competitions and has really cemented his position as Arne Slot’s starting forward on the left flank.
His side host Tottenham looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg and the signs are positive for Liverpool.
The Reds have only lost one of their last 27 home games against Spurs and have 10 wins from their last 14 meetings at Anfield with these opponents.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are still operating with a makeshift defence and Gakpo could well be the man to take advantage of that. Take the Liverpool forward to get on the scoresheet.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation