Newcastle vs Arsenal Bet Builder Tips, Best Bets, Stats and Predictions

Arsenal travel to St.James’ Park on Wednesday night with the hopes of securing a spot in the EFL Cup semi-final. However, they have a mountain to climb after losing 2-0 at the Emirates in the first leg with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

In that match, the Gunners racked up 11 corners in total, including seven in the second-half when they were chasing the game. Newcastle sat deep in the second period aiming to preserve their lead, but the Arsenal onslaught proved to no avail.

Given that we will have an identical gamestate to that second-half, with Arsenal chasing the tie, corners seems a sensible play. Since the first leg, Arsenal have accumulated 66 corners in seven games across all competitions, averaging 9.42 per game. They have looked sharp in recent weeks, including four wins from their last four, so another front-footed performance is expected from Mikel Arteta’s men.

Gabriel has been the primary set-piece target for Arsenal, given his aerial prowess and aggression. He has already scored five goals in all competitions this campaign, with all of them from set-piece situations. Expecting Arsenal to rack up plenty of set-piece situations, the Brazilian naturally appeals as a player to target for shots.

Gabriel managed three shots in the reverse leg, including one on target. In addition, Jurrien Timber registered three shots (all from corners), while William Saliba had two efforts to highlight how the Gunners had the physical advantage over Newcastle from dead-ball situations.

Gabriel is averaging 1.11 shots per 90 in all competitions this season, and has landed this leg in seven of the last eight games – including against Man City last time out. Although his average drops marginally to 0.9 shots per 90 for away matches, he has still landed this bet in nine out of 15 in all competitions.

Bruno Guimaraes was absent for the first leg at home due to suspension, but he is in line to reclaim his starting spot in midfield. No player has drawn more fouls in the Premier League this season than Guimaraes, who was fouled seven times when he last faced Arsenal at St. James’ Park.

The Brazilian has drawn 82 infringements this term, averaging 3.52 per 90. For context, Anthony Gordon has drawn the second-most fouls in the league, with 52.

Guimaraes has a tendency to go down lightly under pressure, and invite contact to buy soft free-kicks. That could be incredibly useful in this upcoming match, as the Magpies will look to break the flow of the game and frustrate Arsenal.

He also landed this selection in both league meetings against Arsenal last season, drawing five fouls at the Emirates, and three fouls in the reverse fixture at home.