Newcastle host Arsenal in a decisive EFL Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday, February 5 in a game that will have a place in the final at Wembley on the line.

The Magpies aim to defend their two-goal first-leg advantage, while Arsenal seek a dramatic comeback to keep their silverware hopes alive.

Newcastle, despite recent Premier League struggles, should still feel confident ahead of this one, thanks to their 2-0 cushion while Arsenal, on the other hand, must produce a near-perfect performance to overturn the deficit and reach their first EFL Cup final since 2018.

🤍Newcastle Aim to Secure Final Spot | Home Win = 3.21💵

The Magpies have been solid in the EFL Cup, winning four of their last five encounters in the competition including the 1st leg against the Gunners at the Emirates.

Despite consecutive home defeats in the Premier League sandwiching a 3-1 away win over Southampton, Eddie Howe’s side remains resolute in cup competitions and they will hope that continues at the St. James’ Park tonight.

With the crowd behind them, Newcastle will be determined to hold off Arsenal and reach their first EFL Cup final in 48 years, and they could do that with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, who were on target in the first leg, available.

🔴Arsenal Seek a Comeback Against the Odds | Away Win = 2.27💵

The Gunners travel to Newcastle knowing they need at least three goals to advance, a feat they last achieved at St. James’ Park in 2010. However, their recent form offers optimism, with five wins and one draw in their last six matches.

Mikel Arteta’s men, fresh from a statement 5-1 victory over Man City, must replicate that clinical edge to break down Newcastle’s disciplined defence.

With their attacking firepower finally exploding, Arsenal will believe they can still turn the tie around especially with the Magpies losing their last two home games.

🔑Key Players & Team News📰:

Newcastle remain without Harvey Barnes (muscle) and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL), while Callum Wilson could make a return to the squad. Nick Pope is back in contention, but Martin Dubravka could retain his starting role in goal.

Arsenal are missing Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee). Ben White is nearing a return but may not be ready for this fixture. Youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri could feature after recent impressive performances.

🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.73💵

⚽Newcastle hold a 2-0 aggregate lead and have won 3 of their last 5 matches against Arsenal. | Specials Market: Home/Draw & Over 1.5 = 2.08

⚽Arsenal must win by at least three goals to advance, something they’ve managed three times in their last eight away matches. | Specials Market: Away & Over 1.5 = 2.55

⚽3 of the last 4 Newcastle vs Arsenal games including the last two ended with under 2.5 goals. | Main Market: (Over/Under) Under 2.5 = 2.07

With both teams eager for a spot in the final, this high-stakes encounter promises an intense battle under the lights at St. James’ Park.

🔗You can check out the EFL Cup game, Newcastle vs Arsenal, here on MSport.

#EFLCup #CarabaoCup #NewcastleUnited #Arsenal #Arteta #Trossard #Isak #Havertz

Leganes, 1-0 winners of both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid this season, host Real Madrid in a high-stakes Copa del Rey quarter-final clash on Wednesday, February 5.

Both sides, looking to bounce back from a recent league setback, will be doing their best to progress to the semis over the other, with Leganes especially the big dreamers as they look to cause an upset against the European giants.

Madrid, still reeling from a narrow 1-0 loss to Espanyol in La Liga, will be determined to return to winning ways, something which might be difficult to do with all their absences against this stubborn Leganes side.

🤍Leganes Aim to Shock the Ancelotti’s Side | Home Win = 6.50💵

Leganes has shown resilience in the Copa del Rey, overcoming multiple hurdles to reach this stage. Their recent victory over Atletico Madrid in La Liga proves they can stand toe-to-toe with the best.

However, their form has been inconsistent, losing four of their last five home matches. Facing a star-studded Real Madrid side, they must tighten their defence and capitalize on any counterattacking opportunities.

That said, Leganes know very well how to eliminate Real Madrid from the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, doing it successfully in the 2017/2018 season when they beat Zidane’s side back then 1-2 at the Bernabeu to overturn a 0-1 defeat at home in the first leg. This time, it’s just a single tie.

🔵Real Madrid Seek Copa Redemption | Away Win = 1.54💵

Los Blancos have dominated the Copa del Rey campaign so far, scoring ten goals in two rounds. Their attack, led by Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, has been relentless in front of goal.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men however have some quite different cards dealt them this time around coming into this one, after losing all of Rudiger, Alaba Mbappe, and Bellingham to various degrees of injuries, with the latter two less serious, and all in the space of days.

Many might still fancy them favourites ahead of this quarter-final clash though with their superior squad depth and firepower making them a formidable challenge for Leganes, who must be near perfect to stand a chance.

🔑Key Players & Team News📰:

Leganes will be without Enrique Franquesa due to an ACL injury, while Seydouba Cisse is also ruled out with a hamstring issue. Midfielder Renato Tapia is expected to step in and play a crucial role in the centre of the park.

Real Madrid faces key absences, with Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger and recently Alaba all unavailable.

Mbappe and Bellingham are also sidelined according to Manager Ancelotti, meaning Asencio, Tchouameni, Vini and Rodrygo all get starting berths. Lunin is set to start in goal, while rotation options like Mendy and Modric may feature.

🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.65💵

⚽Leganes knocked Madrid out of the Copa del Rey at the same stage over 2 legs in 2017-18.  Also, they’ve beaten Barca & Atleti 1-0 this season. | Specials Market: Home/Draw & Yes = 3.90

⚽Real Madrid have beaten Leganes in 3 of their last 6 meetings, including a 3-0 victory this season, with goals from Mbappe, Valverde, and Bellingham. | Specials Market: Away & Over 2.5 = 2.15

With a semi-final spot at stake, both teams will be eager to prove their worth in what promises to be a thrilling contest between underdogs and title chasers.

🔗You can check out the Copa del Rey game, Leganes vs Real Madrid, here on MSport.

#CopadelRey #Laliga #Leganes #RealMadrid #Ancelotti #ViniJr #Rodrygo

Pep Guardiola and his ‘humbled’ boys begin a torrid 6-game round of games that includes two games against Real Madrid and dates with Liverpool, Spurs, and Newcastle, with a trip to the Emirates on Sunday.

With the title race on the verge of ceasing to become one with Liverpool leaving the rest behind, both teams will be desperate to claim maximum points in what promises to be an enthralling battle.

🔴Arsenal Look to Extend Home Unbeaten Streak | Home Win = 2.01💵

Arsenal have been formidable at home, remaining unbeaten in the Premier League at the Emirates this season. The Gunners have collected the most points in the league since game-week 11, highlighting their strong form.

With a recent 1-0 win over Wolves and progression to the UCL knockout stages secured, Arteta’s men are in a confident mood ahead of this clash.

Despite missing key players due to injury, Arsenal will be determined to maintain their strong defensive structure that has seen them concede just twice in their last six home league games.

🔵Man City Eye Statement Victory | Away Win = 4.05💵

Manchester City travel to North London in fine form, boasting a six-match unbeaten streak in the league. Guardiola’s men secured a 3-1 comeback win over Chelsea last weekend, showing their resilience.

Despite a shaky UCL campaign, their domestic performances have improved in the second half of the season. With Haaland and Foden in form, the champions will look to break down a disciplined Arsenal defence and close the gap at the top.

🔑Key Players & Team News📰:

Arsenal remain without Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injury concerns. However, Myles Lewis-Skelly is available after his red card was overturned, while Ethan Nwaneri could feature after impressing in the Champions League.

City will be without Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku, and Nathan Ake. However, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis are available for selection, adding depth to Guardiola’s squad.

🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.76💵

⚽The Gunners have held City scoreless in two of their last three meetings, including a crucial 1-0 victory at home last season.| Main Market: Home (1x2 - Early Pay-out) = 1.92

⚽City have lost just one of their last 6 Premier League matches against the Gunners, winning 3 and drawing one| Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 1.5 = 2.29

A win for Arsenal would put a little pressure on Liverpool at the summit of the league, while a City victory would put them firmly back in contention and boost their confidence ahead of the tough round of games they have coming.

🔗You can check out the EPL game, Arsenal vs Man City, here on MSport.

#EPL #Arsenal #ManCity #Gunners #Arteta #Pep #Havertz #Haaland #DeBruyne

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday, aiming to extend their four-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

The Red Devils, buoyed by a 2-0 Europa League win over FCSB, face a Palace side with the Premier League’s best away defence (11 goals conceded) but fresh off a 2-1 defeat to Brentford.

🔴Man United Aim to Translate European Form to EPL | Home Win = 2.07💵

United’s European campaign has been a rare bright spot, with an unbeaten record (5W, 3D) in the Europa League group phase. Domestically, however, they languish in 12th place, needing a strong finish to avoid their worst-ever Premier League season.

A gritty 1-0 win at Fulham—courtesy of Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike—hinted at resilience, but consistency remains elusive. Amorim’s men have won just two of their last six home league games, raising questions about Old Trafford’s fading intimidation factor.

Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence, highlighted by his goal in Romania, offers hope, though, the Manchester club could count on players like Amad and Fernandes, who had been clutch for them this season, to help get the job done.

🔵Crystal Palace Target Repeat of Old Trafford Shock | Away Win = 3.90💵

Crystal Palace stunned United 1-0 at Old Trafford last season and this season, they arrive again with momentum from a seven-game unbeaten away league games streak despite the 1-2 Brentford loss at home last Sunday.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s four goals in four January games earned him a Player of the Month nomination, while 19-year-old Romain Esse announced himself with a debut goal last weekend in a month that saw Palace accrue 7 points from a possible 12.

Defensive solidity defines Oliver Glasner’s side, seeing them concede 11 away goals in the league this season, the best in the league so far, and something which could come in handy against a misfiring United.

🔑Key Players & Team News📰:

United’s absentee list includes Shaw (hamstring), Evans, and Mount. Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte anchor the midfield, while Mainoo and Dalot’s new form could help United unlock Palace’s defence.  

Palace misses Riad and Trevor Chalobah, leaving Guehi and Andersen as central defensive pillars. Mateta’s physicality and Eberechi Eze’s creativity will be critical, with Esse offering pace off the bench.

🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.58💵 

⚽Palace, unbeaten in their last 7 away league games, have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 5 away league matches. | Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 1.5 Goals = 2.34

⚽United, unbeaten in their last 3 games in all competitions, have beaten Palace in 2 of their last 3 meetings at the Old Trafford. | Specials: Home/Draw & Over 2.5 = 2.46

⚽There have been over 1.5 goals in 3 of the last 5 meetings between United and Palace & in 4 of the last 5 games of both teams. | Main Market = 1.30

Conclusion:

Amorim’s United faces a pivotal test, converting European grit into league results. Palace, organized defensively and fueled by Mateta’s scoring streak, aims to exploit away form.

🔗You can follow and bet on the EPL game, Man United vs Crystal Palace, here on MSport.

#EPL #ManUnited #CrystalPalce #United #Palace #Amorim #Amad #Onana #Fernandes