Arsenal arrive at St James’s Park full of confidence off the back of four straight wins in all competitions that included a 5-1 thumping of Manchester City.
Arsenal have to achieve a 14-year feat at Newcastle by scoring three goals if they are to reach the Carabao Cup final following a 2-0 first leg defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta was left disappointed in the January transfer window but is now determined to try and end Arsenal’s trophy drought with the Carabao Cup representing the first of three opportunities this season.
Arsenal’s dream transfer target is Alexander Isak and will have to do more to stop the deadly Swedish international than they did in the first leg.
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Jamie Redknapp reveals Alexander Isak prefers right footed player in the right wing position
Speaking on Sky Sports pre-match coverage of Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi final, Jamie Redknapp has been discussing the form of Alexander Isak and has highlighted a potential problem with a switch to Arsenal.
Redknapp stated: “I think Alexander Isak would absolutely love having a right-footed right-winger. So somebody that’s going to cross the ball and get it into him like that.”
It would suggest that Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri would have trouble striking up the same combination that Isak has with Jacob Murphy should he make the switch to North London.
Redknapp explained: “So often now, some of the wingers, they play on their opposite foot, they cut back and they cross it in but when you’ve got someone playing on the right it’s easier for you to see the passes in and they [Murphy and Isak] have great understanding.”
Mikel Arteta will have a decision to make when Saka returns from injury
Saka is expected to return from a hamstring injury in early March, ahead of Arsenal’s vital push for Premier League and Champions League glory.
With Nwaneri’s form playing from the right-hand side, Arteta will have to tweak his side to find room for both of Arsenal’s incredible Hale End talent.
It could mean one of Nwaneri or Saka playing wide left or Nwaneri could play in Martin Odegaard’s role with the captain moving a little deeper to build up attacks.
Saka’s return can’t come soon enough for Arsenal as he would add that extra bit of star quality to the attack at such a crucial phase of the season.
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