£25m man starts, Joelinton call made: Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Arsenal

Written on Tuesday, February 4 2025
James Rutherford

The nerves are kicking in...

Newcastle United are worried about Joelinton’s fitness ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal.

The Magpies could be without the 28-year-old on Wednesday, after Joelinton injured his knee against Fulham.

Joelinton was spotted in a knee brace earlier this week, which caused panic amongst Newcastle United fans.

He is a major doubt to face Arsenal, as Eddie Howe prepares for the Magpies’ biggest game of the season so far. Newcastle lead 2-0 after the first leg, and are 90 minutes away from another Wembley final.

The Toon boss might be forced to change his side, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

Sven Botman on the bench again for Newcastle

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

When Newcastle beat Arsenal in the first leg, they had Sven Botman at centre-back. He played incredibly well, on what was just his second appearance after a serious knee injury.

However, it feels likely that he will be on the bench for the second leg. Instead, Howe will continue with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn in the middle of defence.

But Botman will be available in reserve, and it would not be a surprise if he joined Schar and Burn in a back five in the second half if Newcastle are still defending a lead.

Newcastle forced into midfield change

The big question mark heading into the game is the fitness of Joelinton.

Eddie Howe says Joelinton’s knee brace was just a precaution, with the Toon boss not ruling out his number seven.

However, Geordie Boot Boys are predicting that Joelinton will not start. Joe Willock feels most likely to take his place, with the £25million midfielder most suited to playing on the left of Howe’s central trio.

Willock was criticised for his cameo against Fulham, but Toon fans will certainly get behind him if he starts on Wednesday against his former club Arsenal.

Eddie Howe handed striker boost against Arsenal

With no new arrivals during the January transfer window, Newcastle United’s front three will remain unchanged on Wednesday night.

As has become the norm, it will be Alexander Isak through the middle, flanked by Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy.

However, the Magpies could suddenly have some strength in depth. Callum Wilson could return, and there is hope that he will be on the bench against the Gunners.

If Wilson scores the goal that sends us to Wembley, the frustration of his injury woes will be completely forgotten.

Predicted XI vs Arsenal: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

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