When Newcastle United’s new owners arrived at the club, they were very clear about their aim to get the Magpies back to competing for major silverware. In just over 12 months at the helm, the hierarchy could fulfill that promise with a first visit to Wembley for the club since 1999.
However, Southampton will also be bidding to make the EFL Cup final this term, and gain revenge on Manchester United for their previous visit to the home of soccer. Newcastle has a first-leg advantage to defend, but the latest Newcastle vs Southampton betting tips for the EFL Cup semi-final second leg can be found here.
Newcastle vs. Southampton Odds
The Carabao Cup odds currently have Newcastle as the clear favorites to claim victory in the second leg. Eddie Howe’s team is currently available at -225, with a Southampton win being the outsider selection at +750. The draw is a +350 chance.
Newcastle fixtures throughout the season have been low scoring, and that is evident by the fact that under 2.5 goals is a -112 chance on Tuesday. Meanwhile, over 2.5 goals is -112. Both soccer teams to find the net is currently available at +110.
Newcastle vs. Southampton Information
Newcastle vs Southampton
Location of the Game: St James’ Park. Newcastle, England.
Date: Tuesday, January 31. 3:00 PM ET.
Newcastle vs. Southampton Betting Preview
Magpies Hoping For Wembley Return
It has been a majestic season to this point for Newcastle United, and they could achieve an unlikely return to the Champions League for the first time since the early 2000s. However, above anything else, Toon fans would be desperate to see a return to Wembley on the Newcastle schedule this term.
The Magpies haven’t been the Wembley since 1999, where they were beaten by Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Furthermore, this is the deepest that they have gone in a major domestic cup competition since the 2004-05 season when they reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. It has been an incredibly long time since the Magpies last won a trophy, with their League Cup win in 1976 being their most recent honor.
Newcastle did much of the hard work in this tie in the first leg last week, as they claimed a 1-0 win at St Mary’s. They were made to work extremely hard to get the win that they craved, with the only goal being scored by Joelinton with 17 minutes remaining. That win makes them difficult to oppose in the Newcastle vs Southampton betting tips at St James’ Park this week.
Saints Looking For Unlikely Recovery
Southampton may feel as though their best chance to get a result in this EFL Cup semi-final may have passed them by. They weren’t nearly as offensive as they should have been in the opening leg between the two sides last week, as they managed just three shots on goal. That was a contrasting performance to their aggressive approach in the 2-0 quarterfinal win over Manchester City.
However, despite the Southampton standings showing them in a relegation battle this term, they have been solid in cup competitions since Nathan Jones’s arrival. The defeat suffered last week was their first five cup games, and they should come into this return game in good confidence after a recent FA Cup win over Blackpool.
But, the Saints do have some key injury issues that could go against them. Stuart Armstrong remains on the sidelines with a groin injury, while Moussa Djenepo and Theo Walcott also remain doubtful for this showdown at St James’ Park.
Predicted Starters
Newcastle (4-3-3):
- Pope
- Trippier
- Schar
- Botman
- Burn
- Longstaff
- Guimaraes
- Willock
- Almiron
- Wilson
- Joelinton
Southampton (4-2-3-1):
- Bazunu
- Walker-Peters
- Lyanco
- Bella-Kotchap
- Salisu
- Alcaraz
- Diallo
- Edozie
- Ward-Prowse
- Orsic
- Adams
Newcastle vs. Southampton Betting Prediction
St James’ Park will be bouncing for this return leg in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup. The Magpies have the best defensive record in the English top-flight, and we would be surprised to see the Newcastle defense breached on Wednesday. Furthermore, we would side with the hosts in our Newcastle vs Southampton betting tips, as the Magpies have won their previous three against the Saints.
Over 2.5 goals could also be among the best Carabao Cup picks for this game, as we could see the Toon landing a 3-0 win to book their return to Wembley.
Pick: Newcastle (-225)
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals (-112)
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