Newcastle vs Arsenal Predictions

• Just two of Newcastle’s last 14 matches have failed to produce more than two goals
• Arsenal are unbeaten in their last nine away games
• Both teams have scored in eight of the Gunners’ last nine matches on the road

Nerves are likely at St James’ Park

Newcastle have one foot in the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 victory at Arsenal in the first leg of their semi-final, but there could be some sweating for their supporters to endure before they can book their train tickets for next month’s final at Wembley.

The Magpies have not won a major trophy since 1969 and the club was buzzing after they took a firm grip of the tie with goals from the prolific Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, a victory that came in the middle of a fine run that took Eddie Howe’s side into the top five of the Premier League.

However, their last two home performances may just provoke a few nerves as they were thumped 4-1 by Bournemouth after six straight league wins conceding just one goal, and any hope that was a blip was extinguished on Saturday when they allowed a lead to slip in a 2-1 loss to Fulham.

Gunners flying after City mauling

Arsenal, meanwhile, find themselves in the sort of mood the Magpies were enjoying a few weeks ago, and while Sunday’s 5-1 win over champions Manchester City may not be enough to push them back into the title race, confidence levels around the Emirates will be sky high.

The Gunners have six points to make up on Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the Londoners, but Arteta’s side will not have to hold back when they head to Tyneside.

They are unbeaten in their last nine on the road and are equipped to take advantage of any nervousness the home side display, so, as they have nothing to lose, it looks the best approach to back Arsenal to win, with correct-score betting enthusiasts pointed towards a 2-1 away win as 12 of Newcastle’s last 14 games have featured at least three goals.

Havertz can help push Arsenal forward

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz is a familiar target for criticism but the German international has found the net in three of his last four starts for the Gunners and it would not be a surprise if he got on the mark again at St James’ Park.

Havertz has had at least three shots on goal in his last seven starts so any fault-finding has not resulted in reluctance to try his luck, and he can spearhead a bold Arsenal bid to drag themselves back into the tie.