Sven Botman comes in and Joelinton misses out – Our predicted Newcastle United XI to face Arsenal on Wednesday night

Newcastle United are set to face Arsenal at St James’ Park on Wednesday night in the highly anticipated second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. With an 8 PM kickoff live on Sky Sports, the Magpies hold a crucial two-goal advantage but must remain vigilant against complacency as Arsenal will be determined to mount a comeback.

Eddie Howe’s squad selection will play a key role in ensuring Newcastle remain composed under pressure and capitalize on their lead.

Joelinton remains a doubt for this crucial fixture due to a knee issue, making his inclusion in the starting lineup unlikely. If needed, he could be an option from the bench.

A defensive adjustment is also expected, with Sven Botman likely to replace Fabian Schär. The Swiss center-back has not been at his sharpest in recent outings, and this is the type of high-stakes encounter that suits Botman’s strengths.

Newcastle must be solid at the back, organized in midfield, and clinical in attack to nullify Arsenal’s attacking threats and secure their place in the final.

Between the posts, Martin Dúbravka is expected to retain his position. While there was some debate over whether Nick Pope could make a return for this fixture, the decision ultimately leans towards keeping Dúbravka in goal. His performances have been reliable, and disrupting the defensive setup at such a crucial juncture could be unnecessary.

Defensively, Tino Livramento is set to continue at right-back despite discussions about Kieran Trippier’s potential return. While Trippier’s leadership and experience could be valuable, dropping Livramento for such a pivotal match might send the wrong message.

In central defense, Sven Botman is expected to step in for Schär, as his physical presence and composure on the ball make him an ideal choice. Dan Burn will maintain his place in the backline, with discussions about pushing him to left-back ultimately dismissed. Meanwhile, Lewis Hall is expected to start despite recent inconsistency, as Newcastle look to maintain continuity in their defensive structure.

In midfield, Bruno Guimarães will wear the captain’s armband and will be central to Newcastle’s hopes of controlling the tempo. His performance against Fulham showed flashes of his best form, and against a high-energy Arsenal side, his leadership and ball retention will be crucial.

Sandro Tonali, despite recent lapses in passing accuracy, remains a key part of the midfield trio. With Joelinton not fully fit, Sean Longstaff is likely to step in, offering stability and work rate. Joe Willock’s attacking instincts might not suit the defensive discipline needed in this fixture, while Lewis Miley, though promising, may lack the experience required for a match of this magnitude.

In attack, Jacob Murphy is set to start on the right wing, where he remains Newcastle’s only real option. Fortunately, his recent performances have been positive, contributing both goals and assists. Through the center, Alexander Isak will lead the line, and his ability to exploit spaces and finish clinically will be vital.

With speculation surrounding his future, scoring against Arsenal would only reinforce his importance to the team. Anthony Gordon completes the attacking trio, though his recent form has dipped slightly. Given his high standards, even a slight drop is noticeable, but his energy and creativity remain key to Newcastle’s attacking approach.

On the bench, Joelinton, Joe Willock, and Lewis Miley will be available if adjustments are needed. Callum Wilson’s potential return adds an intriguing option, providing Howe with another attacking weapon should circumstances demand it. Kieran Trippier’s presence could also be invaluable if additional leadership is required in the latter stages of the match.

Despite holding a two-goal cushion, tension remains high ahead of this crucial encounter. Newcastle’s recent performances have been inconsistent, while Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Manchester City serves as a stark reminder of their attacking capabilities.

The Magpies must approach this game with intensity, discipline, and a clear game plan to ensure they capitalize on their advantage and secure a place in the final.