Arsenal vs Newcastle – Combined XI ahead of League Cup clash | OneFootball

Arsenal entertain Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final this evening.

Both sides are just a two-legged tie from reaching Wembley and a shot at the first silverware of the season. Recent meetings between the teams have been tight, with an even record of three wins apiece and a draw from the last seven encounters.

Ahead of what promises to be another fascinating showdown in North London, we’ve selected our Arsenal and Newcastle Combined XI from the players available tonight.

Arsenal vs Newcastle – Combined XI ahead of League Cup semi-final

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

Martin Dubravka has played his part in Newcastle’s upturn since replacing the injured Nick Pope, but this is a straightforward selection in goal. David Raya won the Premier League’s Golden Glove last season and helped Arsenal to the league’s best defensive record. This time around, he ranks second in the Premier League for save percentage (76.1%). A crucial part of an impressive backline.

Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

Jurrien Timber has been like a new signing for Arsenal this season, returning from the ACL injury that decimated his debut campaign. The Dutch defender has featured across the back four and emerged as arguably the best right-back in the division this season. It’s been one accomplished outing after another for the 24-year-old, who has been nearly faultless in an Arsenal shirt.

Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal

There are not many centre-backs in world football better than William Saliba. The Frenchman has been outstanding over the last two-and-a-half seasons for Arsenal, forging a fine understanding with Gabriel Magalhaes. Saliba epitomises cool when defending, frustrating forwards with a nonchalant ease.

Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal

Saliba’s central defensive partner earns the nod in our Combined XI, with the two having been the bedrock of Arsenal’s improvement under Mikel Arteta. Gabriel is an unmissable presence in both boxes and boasts a magnetic pull on loose balls – or inviting deliveries – into the penalty area.

Left-back: Lewis Hall – Newcastle

A player who has come on leaps and bounds to nail down the left-back role at Newcastle. Lewis Hall is having a fantastic season for the Magpies, bringing positivity on the ball, relentless overlaps and improved one-on-one defending. At just 20, he could be the long-term solution to England’s left-back issue if his development continues. Thomas Tuchel, who knows the player from his time at Chelsea, will be watching closely.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

Declan Rice has struggled to hit the heights of last season but remains a crucial cog for Arsenal. Last season, the England midfielder was a driving force in the club’s title challenge to finish as runner-up to Phil Foden for the FWA Footballer of the Year award. His ball-winning and carry add to Arsenal’s imposing physical threat.

Midfield: Joelinton – Newcastle

Joelinton is one player who will relish the muscular match-up with Arsenal. The Brazilian has bulldozed a route through Premier League midfields since a transformative tweak in his position. The trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes (suspended for the clash with Arsenal) and Joelinton is one of the most formidable enginerooms in English football.

Midfield: Martin Odegaard – Arsenal

Arteta’s orchestrator, the onus is on Martin Odegaard to invent for Arsenal in the absence of Bukayo Saka. Arsenal’s best performances tend to correlate with Odegaard’s own, such is his importance to the side when in full flight. The Norwegian is a wonderful watch.

Right-wing: Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal

A problem position for Arsenal right now with Saka and Ethan Nwaneri sidelined, while Newcastle continue to be linked with signing a right-winger despite Jacob Murphy’s underrated contributions.

Gabriel Jesus earns the nod here after his recent renaissance at Arsenal. Six goals in his last five appearances – including a hat-trick in the Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace – is a welcome return to form.

Left-wing: Anthony Gordon – Newcastle

Some sneered at the £40m fee Newcastle paid to sign Anthony Gordon almost two years ago. Since then he’s justified that investment, evolving into one of the most effective wide players in the Premier League and an England international. Always direct, dangerous and unrelenting in his work-rate, he’s a firm favourite at St James’ Park.

Forward: Alexander Isak – Newcastle

Arsenal are understood to be casting admiring glances in the direction of Alexander Isak – and with good reason.

The Swedish striker has been superb since signing for Newcastle and enters this clash in red-hot form. Isak has scored in each of his last seven Premier League appearances, with only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland having outscored the 25-year-old. Right now, he’s arguably the most complete number nine in English football.

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