SlipsTips examines the Bet Builder market ahead of Newcastle and Arsenal’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg showdown at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
Newcastle vs Arsenal (Wednesday, 20:00)
Newcastle and Arsenal cross paths once again for the return fixture in their EFL Cup semi-final tie at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
A 2-0 victory at the Emirates last month has put Newcastle in the box seat to book their ticket to next month’s Wembley showpiece.
I’ve already covered this second-leg showdown in a separate match preview but I’m now going to take a look at the Bet Builder market.
Over 0 Arsenal Goals
Given that Arsenal are two goals behind coming into this second leg, they will have to throw caution to the wind on Wednesday night. That should really open things up, with the visitors worthy of support to strike at least once at St James’ Park. The Gunners head into this clash on cloud nine after dishing out a 5-1 mauling to Man City in the Premier League on Sunday.
That means Arsenal have now scored in each of their seven matches across all competitions since blanking against Newcastle in the first leg last month. Thus, the capital club look well placed to hit the back of the net at least once against a Newcastle side that has been leaky at the back of late. Eddie Howe’s hosts have shipped seven goals across their last three Premier League games, which doesn’t augur well ahead of a visit from an Arsenal side that will have to go for the jugular.
Bruno Guimaraes to Commit 1+ Foul
The midfield battle between these two sides could well be intense on Wednesday night. As such, Bruno Guimaraes is certain to be one of the main protagonists in the middle of the park, making him a prime candidate to commit a minimum of one foul.
The all-action Brazilian midfielder has committed at least one foul in 19 of his 24 Premier League appearances this season, including two against Arsenal at this venue back in November. It's also worth pointing out that Guimaraes has been booked in two of his previous five appearances for Newcastle in this season's EFL Cup.
Jurrien Timber to Commit 1+ Foul
To conclude the Bet Builder, I’ll also back Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber to commit at least one foul. The Arsenal right-back has been a regular offender in the Premier League this season, making one or more misdemeanour in eight of his 10 top-flight appearances away from the Emirates this term. That 10-game sample includes Timber giving away three free-kicks against Newcastle at St James’ Park earlier this season.
There is plenty of scope for that trend to continue on Wednesday night with the Dutch defender likely to be in a direct battle with Newcastle foul magnet Anthony Gordon.
Recommended Bet
- Over 0 Arsenal Goals
- Over 0.5 Bruno Guimaraes Fouls
- Over 0.5 Jurrien Timber Fouls
- Bet Builder – 1/1 (Bet 365)
Freelance Sports Writer and Betting Analyst with over five years experience. I’ve written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. With a strong passion for the fascinating world of Scottish football, I also regularly feature in Nutmeg, the much-loved Scottish football magazine. Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. Feel free to follow me on X @SlipsTips
