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      Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0 (agg: 4-0): Toon tear shambolic Gunners to shreds to move step closer to first trophy in 70 years

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      THERE were plenty of old-aged pensioners among this raucous St James’ Park crowd who have never seen Newcastle United win a major domestic trophy.But on March 16, Eddie Howe’s men have a chance to secure the kind of glory the Geordies have been waiting 70 years to experience.Newcastle booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 win over ArsenalCredit: GettyThe 4-0 aggregate victory means Toon are near to ending their 70-year trophy droughtCredit: EPAArsenal arrived on Tyneside with the strut of a team who had just trounced the Premier League champions – but they were blown away by the energy levels of Newcastle’s players and the decibel levels of their supporters.Next month, the Toon will face either Tottenham or Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final – the club’s sixth Wembley showpiece since Jackie Milburn & Co won the FA Cup way back in 1955.Goals from Jacob Murphy and the electric Anthony Gordon ensured there would be no miracle comeback from Mikel Arteta’s side, who trailed 2-0 from the first leg a month ago.No English club of Newcastle’s size has waited so long to win silverware – especially as Uefa now say that their 1969 Fairs Cup win doesn’t count as a major trophy in their record books.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while the club’s Geordie Arabia revolution has been stifled by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, a trophy would mean the world to the Toon Army.Newcastle reached the League Cup Final two seasons ago but they froze on their big day out and were beaten 2-0 by Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.Seven of last night’s starting line-up featured in that 2023 final and they will return determined not to suffer stage fright again.For Mikel Arteta, it was a miserable night which leaves the Gunners facing an uphill battle to avoid a fifth successive season without a trophy.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Gunners boss was mocked with chants of ‘Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball’ after his rather fanciful excuse for the 2-0 home defeat in last month’s first leg.Arsenal failed to carry forward any momentum from Sunday’s 5-1 sploshing of Manchester City.Newcastle stars Sandro Tonali and Sven Botman filmed using mobile phones behind wheels of supercarsPerhaps they expended too much energy in rubbing Erling Haaland’s nose in the Emirates dirt because this was a very flat performance – save for Martin Odegaard hitting the post after an early effort from Newcastle’s Alexander Isak had been disallowed. While Arteta stuck with Sunday’s victorious line-up, Howe switched to a back five – not that his side were ever content to sit back and protect the 2-0 first-leg lead they had secured back in the mists of time.Since then, Newcastle had suffered back-to-back home defeats, giving Arsenal renewed hope of becoming the first team ever to overturn a two-goal deficit away from home in a League Cup semi-final.The Arsenal mood music had improved considerably during the month-long wait for this return leg and they arrived on a four-game winning streak in all competitions.Alexander Isak gave Newcastle an immediate leadCredit: APHe was judged to be narrowly offside by VARBut none of that optimism from the visitors lasted long.It was one of those nights at St James’ Park when the flags were out, the locals were giddy and the amplifier was cranked up to 11.And within four minutes, the Toon thought they had increased their aggregate lead.Gordon picked a delicious through-ball to send Isak pelting through on goal and the Swede lashed his effort into the far corner of David Raya’s net.Jacob Murphy gave Newcastle the lead in the 19th minuteCredit: GettyThe goal sent the home fans into major celebrationsCredit: GettyBut then the dreaded, and lengthy, VAR delay which found that Isak had been narrowly offside.In these semi-finals, they are trialling a system whereby the referees announce any VAR overturns through a microphone to the crowd.And from what I could gather, Simon Hooper told the 52,000 punters: “Bwh dada hagy terg dikit number 14, badadadag.”Joelinton had missed out with a knee injury but despite a Newcastle shape that looked defensive on paper, Howe’s side were not backwards in coming forwards.Anthony Gordon doubled Toon’s lead on the nightCredit: EPAHe waved a scarf as St James’ Park went madCredit: GettyStill, Arsenal settled, knitted together a couple of decent passing moves and Martin Odegaard drilled a shot against the post when he ought to have scored.Yet almost immediately, Newcastle broke.Isak played a one-two with Gordon, descended on goal again and hammered the top of the far post before Murphy lapped up the rebound to spark rapture across the Geordie nation.The place was rocking now and you could tell the hosts were confident when Bruno Guimaraes started performing keepy-uppies on the edge of the Arsenal box.Martin Odegaard missed a sitter than could have changed the course of the gameCredit: PAGabriel Martinelli went off with an injuryCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by the boy wonder Ethan Nwaneri.But there was precious little sign of an Arsenal comeback and as their frustrations grew, Kai Havertz was cautioned for a shove on Kieran Trippier, then Wiliam Saliba joined him in the book for dragging back Gordon. Flash Gordon then toasted Declan Rice, who appeared to pull a muscle as he fell, before he fired narrowly wide.Straight after the restart, Saliba was robbed by Gordon who narrowly failed to score from range with Raya stranded.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut soon, it was all done and dusted, with Rice – apparently still troubled by his first-half injury – mugged by a high-pressing Fabian Schar, allowing Gordon an easy finish. And so the Geordie hordes will descend on Wembley, determined to end seven decades of hurt.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. 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      Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Toon into Carabao Cup final after superb win as Arsenal CRASH OUT after Odegaard miss

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED are into the final of the Carabao Cup after a 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal!The Toon beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates last week but had their heart in their mouths when Martin Odegaard hit the post with an early chance.Almost immediately, Newcastle went down the other end and scored – Jacob Murphy firing in after Alexander Isak’s shot cannoned off the post, before Newcastle sealed the game after a horror David Raya pass, with Declan Rice having his pocket picked and Anthony Gordon firing home.It went from bad to worse for Mikel Arteta as Gabriel Martinelli limped off injured in the first half.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from St James’ ParkAnd it’s the end of the road in the League Cup for Arsenal.But Newcastle go marching on – and soon they will be doing so down Wembley Way as they edge closer to a first trophy since 1969.Will it be Tottenham or Liverpool that they face in the final? Join us at the same time tomorrow to find out.Goodnight.Copy linkCopiedHowe hopes for improved Wembley showingEddie Howe had led Newcastle to Wembley for the second time in three years – and this time he’s determined to go one step further.The Magpies were brushed aside by Manchester in the 2023 League Cup final, but Howe believes his side are stronger for the experience.And coupled with their time in the Champions League, the Newcastle boss feels that his squad can now manage the big occasions.We have come a long way since [the 2023 final v Manchester United]. The Champions League does that to you, it is so testing and unique. Naturally for the big games a lot of the players have been there before, and we are used to the quick turnarounds and work smarter. There is a good feeling about the squad. We are tight on numbers but big on energy. I would love to think we can go to Wembley and perform better than we did previously.Eddie HoweBBC Radio 5Copy linkCopiedArteta rues missed opportunityArsenal boss Mikel Arteta blamed his side’s inability to take advantage of momentum as the reason they were unable to overturn a first leg deficit.The Gunners grew strong in the first half with the game at 0-0, but secods after Martin Odegaard had hit the post, Newcastle struck to increase their aggregate lead.Arteta admitted that the result and semi-final exit had left them hurting, but they will pick themselves up again for the challenges ahead.We had momentum in the first half and didn’t capitalise. They scored immediately after and the momentum shifts. We needed a goal early in the second half and we didn’t get that and the opportunity passes. They have been more efficient than us in the boxes and that is the difference in the tie. Today is painful and tomorrow a different day.Mikel ArtetaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedWhat next for Arsenal?Out of both domestic cups and facing a mini injury crisis, Arsenal’s season could be on the brink of collapse.But the optimists among the Emirates faithful will surely see a clear run at the Premier League as an opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool.The Gunners only have league fixtures to contend with before European football returns next month while the leaders are fighting on multiple fronts.Copy linkCopiedMikel Arteta, it must be the ball!Mikel Arteta suggested that the official Carabao Cup football was to blame for his side missing so many chances in the first leg of this semi-final tie.Well, tonight, the Newcastle fans and the club’s social media admin hit back.Credit: @NUFC on XCopy linkCopiedIsak impresses on memorable nightAlexander Isak may not have scored this evening, but he put in a tremendous performance that ran Gabriel and William Saliba ragged.The Newcastle strikes dragged the two Arsenal defenders all over the pitch with his strength, speed and movement, highlighted by his second leg heat map.Copy linkCopiedCaptain Bruno dreaming of trophyBruno Guimaraes admits he is dreaming of being the captain to finally end Newcastle’s trophy drought and collect some silverware.The Brazilian put in another tremendous display in the middle of the park, and then paid tribute to his teammates and supporters for their efforts.And if the Magpies can replicate that performance at Wembley next month then Guimaraes sees no reason why the club won’t be celebrating a historic triumph.It was an unbelievable performance from everyone and we must thank the fans as well. We go to another final for the club and hopeful we can win this one. If we play like that then we can dream big. It would be amazing to get a trophy, it is my dream to do this and especially in my first season as captain.Bruno GuimaraesSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from St James’ ParkFor the second time in three years, Arsenal failed to score in both legs of a two-legged League Cup semi-final.Copy linkCopiedGordon: It’s important to stay humbleIt’s the phrase on everybody’s lips right now.Speaking straight after the final whistle at St James’ Park, Newcastle goalscorer Anthony Gordon urged his teammates to ‘stay humble’ in their pursuit of a first trophy since 1969.It’s important for us to stay humble now. We went on a really good run and then we had two results that we didn’t see coming and we didn’t need in our season. This was a good game to put us back on track, but I think we need to keep our heads down and focus on what’s in front of us.Anthony GordonSky SportsCopy linkCopiedFull time – Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)The flags are flying high again and Newcastle are heading back to the home of football.A semi-final tie as emphatic as they come, Newcastle built on their 2-0 smash and grab from the first leg to boss the second.Four goals without reply against one of the best in the Premier League has the Toon Army one step closer to their first trophy since 1969.But there’s still a job to do – and that will come against either Liverpool or Tottenham at Wembley on March 16th.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)90+3. One final Arsenal corner is confidently claimed by Martin Dubravka.Newcastle are on their way to Wembley…Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)90. Four minutes stoppage time.Four minutes for Newcastle players and fans to savour.Four minutes before the Arsenal contingent are put out of their misery.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)88. Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!Five passes is probably Newcastle’s best spell of possession tonight too, but who needs the ball when you’re electric on the counter?Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)86. Declan Rice lunges horribly at Bruno Guimaraes.In other circumstances, you’d worry that the midfielder on the receiving end would stay down – but tonight, Guimaraes leaps to his feet and begins geeing up the crowd.Safe to says it’s party night in Newcastle this evening.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)84. “We’re firmly into ‘ole’ territory…” exclaims commentator Seb Hutchinson as Guimaraes sends a no-look pass around the corner for Isak.When you haven’t won a trophy since 1969, fans are going to enjoy every moment of nights like these.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)82. There are some half-hearted cries for an Arsenal penalty as Havertz goes down, but Schar was just too strong for him.Clutching at straws.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)80. Jacob Murphy takes the applause of St James’ Park as he is subbed off.The opening goalscorer tonight takes his leave and is replaced by a former Arsenal man in Joe Willock.Also off is Sven Botman, replaced by Emil Krafth.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)78. Declan Rice curls an Arsenal corner over and out of play.That sums up the Gunners over these two semi-finals. Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)76. A sparkling run from Gordon takes him beyond four Arsenal players in midfield.Unfortunately for the winger, the fifth he faces is William Saliba. For the first time tonight, the Frenchman comes out on top.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)74. Martin Dubravka goes down for a spot of treatment. Or should I say “treatment”?There’s really no need to time waste, mind. There could be another three legs to this tie and Arsenal wouldn’t fight back.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)72. St James’ Park is in full voice.They didn’t do themselves justice when they made the League Cup final against Manchester United two years ago. You feel it may be different this time around.It will be either Liverpool or Tottenham that they face at Wembley.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)70. What incredibly work rate from Gordon, who like Trippier on the other flank, keeps pace with his opponent – in this case, Nwaneri – all the way back to the byline.And the Newcastle man goes one better, even winning a goalkick with a last-ditch touch on to the Arsenal midfielder.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)67. Newcastle have only conceded once from a corner this season, and it shows as they confidently deal with the latest Arsenal set-piece.You know things aren’t running smoothly for the Gunners when even their dead ball routines are coming up short.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)65. Sterling and Lewis-Skelly combine neatly on the left, but the wise old head of Trippier isn’t having it.He tracks the young left-back all the way to the byline and then blocks behind for a corner.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)63. It’s fair to say the intensity has dropped out of this one.Both teams know the tie is done, and the final half hour or so will be a formality.Copy linkCopied More

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      Arsenal suffer huge injury blow as Martinelli limps off on 35 minutes vs Newcastle days after transfer window failure

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      ARSENAL have suffered another significant injury blow, with Gabriel Martinelli the latest casualty.The 23-year-old was forced off in the 37th minute of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.Gabriel Martinelli was forced off against NewcastleCredit: GettyMartinelli has joined Arsenal’s injury listCredit: GettyHe went to ground holding his hamstring before limping down the tunnel.Ethan Nwaneri – one of two attacking players on the bench – was on hand to replace him.But the latest blow adds to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of injury concerns.Star man Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury in December and was forced to undergo surgery.Read More in FootballThe England international is not expected to return until the spring.Striker Gabriel Jesus has also been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.The Brazilian fell awkwardly and was stretchered off during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United last month.Should Martinelli also be assigned to the physio room with a significant issue, the Gunners will be limited to just four senior attacking players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe latest setback comes just two days after the conclusion of the transfer window.Arsenal failed to sign any players in January – much to the dismay of fans.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerArteta himself was also “disappointed” that his superiors failed to seal a deal.He said: “We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring ­certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that and I think we will.”The Gunners made one attempt to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins last week but their offer was immediately rejected.As well as the loss of Martinelli, Arsenal had to deal with a 2-0 defeat and exit from the Carabao Cup. More

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      Newcastle vs Arsenal live stream: How to watch Carabao Cup semi-final second leg

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      ARSENAL and Newcastle meet for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final TONIGHT.The Toon already have one foot in the final after their massive 2-0 win at the Emirates, but can Arteta’s men inspire a shock comeback?Alexander Isak was on the scoresheet in the first legCredit: AFPArsenal were left in shock after losing the first legCredit: GettyThe Gunners got off to the worst possible start to the two-legged tie after Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon fired the Toon to victory in early January.Despite Arteta’s men’s domination, it wasn’t enough to break down Eddie Howe’s team or prevent them from scoring.Arsenal and their fans know they must put on nothing short of a perfect display to overcome the raucous atmosphere at St James’ Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArteta will be desperate to reach the final, which would give him a chance to add another trophy to his sole FA Cup win in 2020.Eddie Howe’s men were in this exact position two years ago when they reached the final, beating Southampton in the semis – a lot of their players already have experience in this situation.While they have a two-goal advantage going into this game, the Magpies still cannot afford any slip-ups, as Arsenal will be ready to capitalise.How to watch Newcastle vs ArsenalNewcastle vs Arsenal will be available for UK viewers on Sky Sports. It will be shown on two channels, Main Event and Football.It can also be streamed on Sky Go. Sky Go is a free streaming service for Sky customers, however you must have the sky sports package to stream the match. Non-Sky customers will not be able to watch the match.SunSport will also blog all the build-up and the action as it happens.Most read in FootballCarabao Cup semi-final scheduleTuesday, January 7Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle (1st leg)Wednesday, January 8Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool (1st leg)Wednesday, February 5Newcastle vs Arsenal (2nd leg)Thursday, February 6Liverpool vs Tottenham (2nd leg) More

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      Arsenal must achieve never-before-seen feat in Carabao Cup semi-final with odds stacked against them versus Newcastle

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      ARSENAL must overcome a never-before-seen feat in order to progress to the Carabao Cup final.Mikel Arteta’s side lost the first leg of the semi-final to Newcastle 2-0 at the Emirates.Arsenal lost the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final to NewcastleCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon netted the second goal in the Magpies victoryCredit: GettyAlexander Isak and Anthony Gordon netted in the clash last month to put Eddie Howe’s side in a great position.The Gunners face the Magpies tonight at St James’ Park but face an uphill battle due to the deficit.In the history of the competition, only 24 times has a team come back from a first-leg defeat to reach the final.On two occasions, that has been by a team that has lost at home, but both of those were only by one goal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne of these was Arsenal as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in 1987 at White Hart Lane after losing 1-0 at home.The Gunners then won the replay 2-1 away from home to reach the final.Only once has a team come from a two-goal deficit to progress to the final.This was in 1994 when Aston Villa recovered from a 3-1 defeat by Tranmere to win the second leg by the same scoreline and then go through after penalties.Most read in FootballBut no team has ever gone through after losing the home leg first by a margin of two goals or more.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArteta, 42, has insisted that Arsenal have been boosted by their shock 5-1 win over Manchester City.He also claimed that the mental state of the team is much improved from the first leg.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerHe said: “When you compare the emotional state of the team straight after the defeat and the manner that it happened and how we are, today is very different because we come from very strong performances, some great wins and especially the last one at home against Manchester City.”After that game we’ll have a break so it’s the moment to go full gas.”The next step is a final in Wembley so we know how big that is, and you can feel it straight away.”The boost the game against City gave us, the manner that we won it, and the fact that it is a game in the competition where we are closest to a final, so we’re going to give it a real go.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Newcastle vs Arsenal prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Carabao Cup preview for huge semi final

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      NEWCASTLE have a 2-0 lead to defend when Arsenal visit St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup semi final second leg.So SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the cup showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesNewcastle vs Arsenal previewIt’s been a long wait since the first leg and plenty has happened in between.But Newcastle will quite rightly take plenty of confidence from their first leg triumph at the Emirates when Arsenal visit this week.It was a reasonably comfortable 2-0 win on the night and home support will be key to getting over the line and to Wembley.Having said that, Eddie Howe’s men have been pretty poor in their last two home games when being thumped by Bournemouth and blowing a 1-0 lead to lose to Fulham just a few days ago.A combination of that and a rousing 5-1 win over Manchester City should give the Gunners hope of turning this around.Arsenal have won four on the spin, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two since that damaging 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.They have lost in three of their last four visits to St James’ Park but an early goal might just change everything….First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 1-2 at 15/2 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Kai Havertz 6/1 with talkSPORT BET – HERENewcastle vs Arsenal latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Newcastle vs Arsenal predictions and tipsWhere there’s a WillPictures of Joelinton in a knee brace are terrible for Newcastle and their supporters. Subsequent news he was visiting a specialist won’t help either.But one door closes and another opens and ex-Arsenal man Joe Willock can add to his former side’s recent misery in cup competitions.Will be chances on the counter attack and chance to make a big impression on big stage.Joe Willock at least 1 shot on target at 6/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREWin – but is it enough?The Gunners can get the win on the night but will it be enough?Can’t see Newcastle NOT scoring meaning Arsenal need at least three to keep themselves in the tie.Can get the win on the night but might not manage that.Arsenal to win and BTTS at 31/10 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.**Betfred Bet&Get: New customers only. Register by 21.45 on 29/01/25 with PREM45, deposit via Debit Card and bet £10+ (Evs+) on any CL game on 29/01/25. 9 x £5 Free Bets on Bet Builders for EPL games on 01/02/25-02/02/25. Credited on settlement. Eligibility & T&Cs Apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.ukUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 22: Mohamed Salah to light up Carabao Cup semi-final?

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      DREAM TEAM managers must remember to select their captain for Gameweek 22 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.Generally speaking, it’s wise to stick the armband on a player with two point-scoring opportunities if possible.And so assets from Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham are in the spotlight as those four clubs are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 22, courtesy of the Carabao Cup semi-final second legs.Salah is the safe choice for a reasonCredit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£8m) is the first name that comes to mind as he leads the way with 339 points overall.Liverpool are due to face Bournemouth on Saturday before hosting Spurs on Thursday night.Two seasons ago, the Reds beat the Cherries 9-0 but a lot has changed since then.Right now, Bournemouth are arguably the Premier League’s most in-form side having dusted Newcastle 4-1 and thrashed high-flying Nottingham Forest 5-0 in their two most recent outings.Andoni Iraola’s side also boast the best defensive record in home fixtures this season.On paper, Salah faces a stern test this weekend.Bournemouth have outplayed several strong opponents this seasonCredit: GettyThat being said, the Egyptian superstar averages 10.6 points-per-game this season and even if he is constricted by Milos Kerkez (£3.6m) and company on the south coast then he may cash in against an injury-ravaged Spurs at Anfield a few days later.Most read in Dream TeamAnge Postecoglou’s side beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg and so Arne Slot is expected to name a strong starting line-up on Thursday night with a view to targeting his first trophy as Anfield boss.If Salah is going to be rested soon, it will surely be against Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round.Many Dream Team bosses will be wary of overthinking captaincy this Gameweek and so the prolific 32-year-old provides a safe, logical option.Gaffers looking to take Salah on in Gameweek 22 would do well to consider Alexander Isak (£6.1m).A rare double Gameweek for Newcastle makes Isak an appealing optionCredit: GettyFulham (league) and Arsenal (cup) is far from a favourable double header for Newcastle but the Magpies are the only team with the luxury of two home games this Gameweek.The Toon’s Swedish striker has racked up 230 points via 19 goals this campaign – Salah and Erling Haaland (£7.9m) are the only names above him in the rankings.Isak will be up against two good defences this coming Gameweek but his blistering form means he almost transcends the schedule.Let’s not forget he banked 13 points against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Arsenal have two big fixtures in Gameweek 22Credit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side are not to be underestimated but it would take a brave gaffer to confidently pick out a captain among their ranks at this juncture.Gabriel (£5m), Leandro Trossard (£3.9m) and Kai Havertz (£4.7m) have notched their fair share of points lately but Arsenal’s double header of Manchester City and Newcastle is a difficult one to predict.If Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) was fit and firing then he would be a strong candidate for the armband but sadly that’s not the case.It’s a similar story for Spurs.Son Heung-min (£5m), Pedro Porro (£4.2m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) have delivered plentiful points this term but it’s a stretch to think any of them are stronger captaincy options than Salah or Isak… isn’t it?A bold alternativeCredit: AFPCody Gakpo (£4.7m) is among the most popular recruits ahead of Gameweek 22 and his new owners might be tempted to slap the armband straight on him following his mighty 29-point return in Gameweek 21.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Dutchman is technically Liverpool’s most in-form player right now but again, it would take some courage to opt for him over Salah.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Rare Newcastle double Gameweek opens doors for Dream Team bosses seeking short-term gains

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      DREAM TEAM managers should give Newcastle players due consideration ahead of Gameweek 22.Without European fixtures to bolster their schedule this season, the Magpies have had fewer point-scoring opportunities than the teams active in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, limiting the viability of their top assets.Newcastle’s stars will be on the right side of a fixture deficit in Gameweek 22Credit: ReutersHowever, their presence in the Carabao Cup semi-finals means Eddie Howe’s troops have two games in the diary for Gameweek 22, when the vast majority of teams will play just once.And of the four teams set to pull double duty, only Newcastle have the luxury of two home fixtures – a useful bonus factor.Fulham are due at St James’ Park on Saturday before Arsenal make their way to Tyneside on Wednesday night.Newcastle already have one foot in the Carabao Cup final having won 2-0 at the Emirates in the first leg earlier this month.Alexander Isak (£6.1m) and Anthony Gordon (£5.3m) were the goalscorers that day and the pair should be considered the best options for Dream Team bosses looking to target the Toon’s rare double Gameweek.The Swedish striker is up to third in the overall rankings having taken Southampton for 18 points last time out.He’s amassed 230 points at an average of 9.2 per game via 19 goals and seven assists – hugely impressive stats.Isak is one of the game’s most in-form playersCredit: ReutersGordon is currently ranked ninth among midfielders with 179 points to his name.Most read in FootballThe ex-Everton winger is one of the most prolific bonus point accumulators in the game – only six players have earned more than his tally of 29 at the time of writing.Newcastle’s double header isn’t the most favourable of the campaign by any means.Fulham are an organised outfit while the Gunners sit second in the Premier League table.But the fact players of Isak and Gordon’s quality are on the right side of a fixture deficit for once makes them super appealing this coming Gameweek.Bruno Guimaraes offers several routes to pointsCredit: GettySome Dream Team bosses might be tempted by the differential options among Newcastle’s squad in search of short-term gains.Bruno Guimaraes (£5m) appears in just 3.2% of teams and has taken 24 points from his last three outings.The all-action midfielder has quietly reached double figures for goal involvements (two goals, eight assists) but that’s only one string to his bow.He also ranks highly for tackles and bonus points, the latter stemming from the fact he wins an almight number of free-kicks for his team – 88 so far this season when only three other players have registered more than 50.READ MORE SUN STORIESHall averages 5.6 points-per-game this seasonCredit: GettyElsewhere, Lewis Hall (£4.4m) is evidently the optimum selection for those keen on a Newcastle defender for Gameweek 22.The England left-back ranks joint-fifth in his position for total points (161) having supplemented his 11 clean sheets with five assists and 21 bonus points.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More