League Cup semi -final: Previews and predictions for the other legs | Carabao Cup

Newcastle V Arsenal, Wednesday at. 20

Newcastle has a 2-0 lead after the first stage on the Emirates, with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon each side of the half-time gave them a massive advantage in a draw. Newcastle fans must have felt sure to book a place at Wembley at the time, although the recent form may have given them some reason for concern.

Newcastle has lost two of their last three games-4-1 to Bournemouth and 2-1 to Fulham. Of crucial importance, both defeats have been in St James’ Park. To add their pre-match jitters, Arsenal is in good shape. They have won five of their last six matches and have just hammered the liga champion Manchester City 5-1.

The Arsenal players couldn’t be more confident. “We will go there to win the game and to score three, four, five,” said Gabriel Martinelli when asked about T IE. “We have a fantastic team and we trust ourselves. We have full confidence in our team. “

However, the good news for Newcastle is that Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär will be available after both missed the first stage. Brazilians’ return is particularly important considering that his compatriot Joelinton is expected to miss a knee injury. Nick Pope is back, although Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Harvey Barnes continue to miss. Arsenal suffered no fresh damage scares Sunday, but Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still absent.

Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in the victory over the city after his ban was overturned and he can continue by left back, while Ethan Nwaneri, who has been distinguished in the League Cup this season, could start from the right flank after scoring on Sunday.

Arsenal has the wind in their sail, but they have lost three of their last four games at St James’ Park. Newcastle fans have not seen their team win a big trophy of 70 years, so the stadium rocks. They don’t get many better chances than this.

Prediction: Newcastle loses 2-1 at night, but progressing overall.

Liverpool V Tottenham, Thursday at. 20

Liverpool took their 1-0 defeat in the first stage at Tottenham in person. They have won five of their seven matches since, their only defeat came on PSV in the Champions League when they had already arrived at the next round of the competition. They finished the top of the Champions League group, they are six points ready at the top of the Premier League, they have a very windmable FA Cup tie against Plymouth over the weekend, so the quadruple is still on -if they hit Spurs on Anfield.

After completing Bournemouth’s undefeated strip on the south coast this weekend, Arne Slot’s side will feel confident about overturning a first leg measurement deficit. The leader can go with the majority of XI who started that match, with the exception of Ibrahima Konaté, who came in for Jarell Quansah at the back. They are likely to be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, which was withdrawn in the 70th minute against Bournemouth with thigh injury.

Injuries remain a huge concern for spurs. “Every time I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel, it has usually been a madly train,” Ange Postecoglou said last week. Tottenham manager suffered yet another setback as Centerback Radu Dragusin suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Elfsborg in the Europa League.

Postecoglou takes his Tottenham page to Anfield with a long absence list with Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario completely out. Micky van De Friend can also miss after being out of the troop for the 2-0 win at Brentford this weekend.

Postecoglou may go with the same XI that started that game unless one of the club’s new signings is available. Kevin Danso ended up this weekend, on loan from Ligue 1 Club lens, and could be available, provided he gets a work permit and international approval on time. Mathy’s tel, the 19-year-old spider, connected to Bayern Munich loan, can also be an option, which would be a huge boost for spurs.

Prediction: Liverpool wins 3-1 at night and progress in total.