January 2023 – Page 9

– The second legs of both semi-final ties take place this week
– Joelinton has scored in each of his last two matches in the Carabao Cup
– Manchester United have netted at least twice in each of their last three games

The semi-finals of the Carabao Cup continue this week with the second legs of Newcastle vs Southampton and Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

Joelinton secured Newcastle a first-leg advantage and can star once again as part of our Bet Builder, while United won with plenty to spare and can ease through to the final.

Magpies can seal final spot

Newcastle vs Southampton (Tuesday, 8pm)

Bet 1: Newcastle to win

Newcastle’s transformation under Eddie Howe in the last year or so has been nothing short of incredible and the club can take a huge step forward by reaching their first major cup final since 1999.

The Magpies edged Southampton 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final clash at St Mary’s and look even more likely to win with the support of St James’s Park behind them.

They have lost only once in 20 Premier League assignments this season and have picked up three wins in their last four games, so should come out on top in this one.

Bet 2: Joelinton to score anytime

One player who has taken their game to the next level under Howe is striker-turned-midfielder Joelinton, who is enjoying a great season for Newcastle.

The Brazilian struck the winning goal in the first leg of this tie, managing two shots in that match, while he also got on the scoresheet against Leicester in the League Cup quarter-finals.

With Southampton needing to score in this one, space should open up in behind for the hosts and Joelinton could capitalise with another goal.

Bet 3: Under 3.5 goals

Although there is a lot at stake for both of these clubs on Tuesday, few will be anticipating a goal-fest.

Newcastle are going well right now but each of their last three wins have been by narrow margins — they beat Leicester 2-0 before back-to-back 1-0 victories sandwiched a goalless draw — and under 3.5 goals looks a wise selection for the bet builder.

Newcastle have shipped only 11 goals in the Premier League this term and all nine of their matches since returning from the World Cup break have featured three goals or fewer.

United can ease through to final

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest (Wednesday, 8pm)

Bet 1: Manchester United -1 goal on handicap

Manchester United’s Premier League form since returning from the World Cup break has been so good that they were briefly considered title competitors, while they also have a fantastic opportunity for silverware in the Carabao Cup.

They have one foot in the final after a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the first leg but Erik ten Hag will not want to leave anything to chance and they could win by at least two goals in the return fixture at Old Trafford.

Forest have been leaky in the Premier League this season, conceding 35 goals in 20 league games, and United have scored at least twice in each of their last three games.

Bet 2: Over 3.5 goals

Thinking along the same lines as the first selection in this bet builder, goals are on the cards in this clash at Old Trafford.

Although they have a comfortable advantage, it is not in the nature of this United team to simply preserve that lead and they have the players to hurt Forest.

United’s last three matches in all competitions have featured a total of 12 goals and over 3.5 goals looks the way to go.

Bet 3: Over eight corners in the match

The corner count could also be pretty high in this one given United’s quality on the flanks in Antony and Marcus Rashford, who will cause problems for Forest’s full-backs.

The Manchester club’s last three matches in all competitions have featured nine, 11 and 16 corners and a bet on over eight corners looks a solid approach.

Get full control over your Bet Builder

With LiveScore Bet’s Bet Builder, you can edit your selections in the betslip.

So, whether you’ve built your own or chosen one of the pre-built ‘popular’ builders, you can change any of the individual selections without having to go back to the main menu.

To change a line, simply click on the selection, choose the new bet and return to the betslip.

Newcastle have signed Anthony Gordon from struggling Everton on a long-term deal as Eddie Howe looks to continue their top-four push.

The former Toffees forward, 21, missed three days of training this week after growing unsettled at Goodison Park.

Gordon spoke to NUFC TV about the controversial transfer. He said: “Since I heard of the interest, I was always convinced Newcastle were for me.

“I think the fan base and the city really suits me as a person, the way the team are playing under the gaffer at the minute really suits me, and the club just look like they’re heading in the right direction.

“I feel like it’s a really big step. People haven’t seen what I’m capable of yet. I think under the gaffer, and the way the club’s going, I can really excel here.”

And Magpies boss Howe swooped to bolster his options in the final third with his side holding a slender three-point advantage over fifth-placed Tottenham in the Champions League race.

Gordon joined Everton’s academy as an 11-year-old having been released by rivals Liverpool and made his first-team debut in 2017.

The England Under-21s international played 78 times for his hometown club, scoring seven times.

Gordon will be cup-tied when Toon welcome Southampton to St James’ Park on Tuesday for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie holding a 1-0 advantage.

But he could make his debut when his new side host West Ham on February 4.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details become available. Please keep refreshing the page.

Anthony Gordon has completed his move from Everton to Newcastle United.

Newcastle are reportedly paying £40million up front to Everton, with an additional £5m payable in potential add-ons.

Gordon was the subject of intense interest from Chelsea at the start of this season, but Everton rejected their advances and had been hoping to tie the young forward to a new deal.

However, Newcastle and Tottenham also enquired over the 21-year-old, and the Magpies solidified their interest this month.

Gordon has signed what has been described as a “long-term” contract at St James’ Park, becoming Newcastle’s first signing of the January transfer window as Eddie Howe’s team look to push on for Champions League qualification.

The new recruit said: “Since I heard of the interest, I was always convinced Newcastle were for me.”

Speaking to NUFC TV, Gordon added: “I think the fan base and the city really suits me as a person, the way the team are playing under the gaffer at the minute really suits me, and the club just look like they’re heading in the right direction.

“I feel like it’s a really big step. People haven’t seen what I’m capable of yet. I think under the gaffer, and the way the club’s going, I can really excel here.”

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe expects big things, saying: “I’m delighted to sign Anthony – he’s a top, top talent.

“I’m really excited to work with him, to develop him, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do in a Newcastle shirt.”

Gordon’s time at Everton ended disappointingly. The academy graduate performed well last season as the Toffees avoided relegation under Frank Lampard, but despite starting this campaign with two goals in the opening five Premier League games, his subsequent performances have been inconsistent.

He missed training on Tuesday in what Stats Perform understands was a pre-authorised absence and was also absent from Finch Farm on Wednesday and Thursday, before returning to Everton’s base on Friday.

Cash-strapped Everton are 19th and sacked Lampard on Monday, with Sean Dyche being tipped to be named as his replacement, and Gordon was confronted by a group of fans outside Goodison Park following a 2-1 defeat to fellow strugglers Southampton on January 14.

Gordon is Everton’s joint-leading league scorer this term, with three goals, but he has created just eight chances for team-mates and has not provided an assist, recording just 0.5 expected assists across 16 appearances.

Only Demarai Gray (51) has attempted more dribbles in Everton’s squad than Gordon (41), but England Under-21 international Gordon has completed just 10 of those.

Gordon has had 26 shots, second only to Gray among Everton players, and his tally of 16 on target tops the charts.

Howe will believe he can rekindle Gordon’s best form as he aims to add further spark to Newcastle’s attack, having allowed Chris Wood to join Nottingham Forest.

– Newcastle hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg
– The Magpies boast the best defence in the Premier League this season
– Recommended bet: Newcastle to win to zero

Newcastle hold a slender 1-0 lead over Southampton heading into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.

Joelinton’s second-half strike during the first leg at St Mary’s has put the Magpies in pole position to reach a first domestic cup final since 1999 and move a step closer to ending their 54-year wait to lift a major piece of silverware.

The advantage is certainly with Eddie Howe’s Premier League high-flyers, but Southampton will be hoping to spring a surprise on Tyneside, as they also eye a trip to Wembley for this year’s Carabao Cup final on February 26.

Team news

Newcastle will have to make do without a quartet of players for Tuesday’s clash, although none of Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Targett, Emil Krafth or Martin Dubravka would have been expected to start had they been available.

Shelvey is unlikely to return from his calf injury until next month, while Targett is also a number of weeks away from making his comeback from a heel issue.

Krafth also faces an extended period on the sidelines with a knee injury and Dubravka is ineligible after featuring for Manchester United earlier in the competition.

Southampton also have fitness concerns, with winger Moussa Djenepo a major doubt due to the head injury he picked up during last week’s first leg following a collision with Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Armel Bella-Kotchap is also a major doubt due to an ongoing knee issue, while the game is likely to come too soon for goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who is nursing a foot problem.

Longer term absentees Juan Larios (groin) and Tino Livramento (muscle) will also continue to miss out.

The stats

Newcastle have only lost two of 26 matches across all competitions this season and they remain unbeaten at St James’ Park, with their last defeat on home soil coming against Liverpool at the end of April.

Howe’s side have built much of their success on a strong defence, as they have let in the fewest goals in the Premier League to date this season (11), while goalkeeper Pope has not conceded in any of his last 10 appearances and has kept 16 clean-sheets in 24 games to date this term.

The Magpies also have an impressive recent record against Southampton, as they are unbeaten in the last five meetings between the two sides, winning both games this season, following up a 4-1 league success in November with last week’s first-leg victory.

Southampton sit bottom of the Premier League, but four of their five victories under manager Nathan Jones have come in cup competitions, including their 2-0 success over Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The Saints also bounced back from last week’s first-leg defeat to Newcastle by edging past Championship outfit Blackpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the weekend, a result that will give them renewed belief as they chase a first win at St James’ since January 2015.

Prediction

After claiming a first-leg advantage on the south coast last week, Newcastle will expect to complete the job in style on Tuesday, as they seek an eighth home win from their last 10 matches on Tyneside across all competitions.

With a raucous home crowd cheering them on, Howe’s men should be able to claim victory, so long as they cope with the pressure and expectation that comes with trying to reach the final of a major cup competition for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century.

Newcastle know they will be in the Carabao Cup final so long as they keep a clean-sheet and, given their defensive record, it would be a surprise to see Pope’s goal breached.

Southampton have only scored eight goals in 10 Premier League away matches this term and they rarely looked like scoring during the first leg.

Back Newcastle to win to zero, available at 1/1 with LiveScore Bet.

Leicester City have completed a short-term deal for Brazilian winger Tete.

The 22-year-old left Shakhtar Donetsk following the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, joining Lyon in March after players in the country were given permission by FIFA to suspend their contracts.

After eight goals and nine assists in 30 appearances for the French side, Tete has made the move to the Premier League, although his new club confirmed he is due to return to Shakhtar at the end of the season.

Upon signing for the Foxes, Tete told the club’s media: “I’m really happy to be here. I’ve had a look at the pitch and the stadium, it’s beautiful and I can already imagine what it’ll be like with a lot of fans. I hope to score a lot of goals and assists. I hope they’ll all be happy to see me play, I’m happy to be a Fox.”

Tete began his career at Gremio and has represented Brazil at under-20 and under-23 level.

He could make his debut for Brendan Rodgers’ side in their trip to Aston Villa on February 4.

Brighton attacker Kaoru Mitoma has shot to prominence under Roberto De Zerbi this season.

The Japan international joined the club in the summer of 2021 but was initially loaned out to Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.

He was eased into the fold this term, before a remarkable showing in his first Premier League start against Chelsea secured a regular spot in the Seagulls’ first XI.

Ahead of the South Coast side’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool, we take a look at why the 25-year-old has proved to be a ready-made replacement for January departure Leandro Trossard.

Taking responsibility

Mitoma scored a stunning opener in Brighton’s last outing — a 2-2 draw at Leicester.

The winger explained after the match against the Foxes that, under De Zerbi, he has been tasked with getting on the scoresheet more regularly.

He said: “Wide players have to get involved in goals given our tactics, and that has instilled greater consciousness in me about scoring.

“I’m always looking for that sort of chance. My pre-match feeling was also good. I could relax as I had space and the shot found a nice gap.”

Delivering goals

The Seagulls’ No22 has clearly taken his manager’s directive to heart.

His strike against Leicester was his fourth Premier League goal of the season in just 747 minutes — and all four have been scored from open play.

That tally works out at 0.48 open play goals per 90 minutes — placing him inside the division’s top 10 players this term.

Intriguingly, Trossard’s record stands at 0.47, proving Mitoma is capable of replacing the Belgian’s goals as Brighton chase European qualification.

Mazy Mitoma

Mitoma has been no slouch in the goals department but his dribbling numbers have been even more impressive.

The 13-cap international has attempted 3.86 take-ons per 90, completing a superb 2.29.

Allan Saint-Maximin and Said Benrahma are the only two players in the division who complete more take-ons per game — and both attempt far more than the livewire wide man.

Mitoma’s mazy runs down the wing are not just entertaining, they are efficient too — manoeuvring the Kawasaki native into dangerous positions, from which he can make decisive contributions.

Creative Kaoru

Mitoma’s well-rounded skill set is demonstrated by his capacity to create high-quality chances in addition to his dribbling and goalscoring exploits.

The former Kawasaki Frontale talent has created big chances at the same rate as he has scored goals in the Premier League, registering four for a rate of 0.48 per 90.

He has, so far, been rewarded with just one assist — but if he continues to supply opportunities of this calibre, that number is likely to go up.

The range of Mitoma’s offensive qualities make him difficult to predict and therefore challenging to defend against, with opponents unable to reliably ascertain if he will pass or shoot.

He is a different profile of player to the man he is replacing, Trossard, who had played closer to goal this season — and was tasked with scoring more than creating or dragging his side up the field.

Team player

An aspect of Trossard’s game that Mitoma will have to replicate, however, is his pressing work from the front.

The Belgian is winning possession an exceptional 1.35 times in the attacking third per 90.

But Mitoma has acquitted himself well in this regard so far, recording a strong tally of 1.08 per game, which is inside the division’s top 20 players.

Despite the departure of their star man to title-chasing Arsenal, Mitoma’s sudden ascendancy means Brighton remain on track this term — evidence that validates their forward-thinking approach in the transfer market.

Erik ten Hag has no complaints with Manchester United’s fixture schedule and insists his squad is deep enough to cope with challenging on multiple fronts in the second half of the season.

United beat Reading 3-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday to advance to the last 16 of the FA Cup, while Wednesday’s 3-0 first-leg win over Nottingham Forest means they are all but assured of a place in the EFL Cup final.

The Red Devils are also still in Europa League contention, with a knockout play-off round tie against Barcelona on the horizon, and are fourth in the Premier League with 18 games to go.

Ten Hag’s side potentially have nine matches to come in February, but the Dutchman considers that a positive as United bid to end a six-year wait for a trophy.

“I don’t complain,” he told reporters. “We know what the fixture schedule is; we have to deal with this.

“At clubs we have to set squads and squads are big enough to deal with it and I think players like to play.

“You can build and construct a good team when you play often and, in my perspective, when you play often the same you are getting the routines in.”

Ten Hag surprised many by naming a strong starting line-up against Championship side Reading, with Harry Maguire coming into the side as the only change from the Forest match, which followed on from a 3-2 league loss at Arsenal.

“If you see everything in the perspective of the result, after a defeat we’ve bounced back,” Ten Hag said. “I was happy with the performance at Arsenal, but we made mistakes.

“We have to work on those mistakes but now twice we have had good performances and two good results.”

Casemiro’s second-half double and a neat finish from Fred earned United victory over Reading, who had Andy Carroll sent off but pulled one back through Amadou Salif Mbengue.

United lost key midfielder Christian Eriksen to injury prior to the hour mark, but Ten Hag says it is too early to determine if the Denmark international is going to spend any time on the sidelines.

“It’s always difficult to say in this moment so short after the game has finished,” he said.

“But it’s an ankle [problem]. We have to see what the diagnosis is, so it will be a minimum of 24 hours before we know that and then I can say more.”

United are back in action on Wednesday with the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Forest, before returning to league action at home to Crystal Palace next weekend.

Chelsea have continued their January spending spree with the signing of right-back Malo Gusto from Lyon.

The France Under-21 international has signed a seven-and-a-half-year deal at Stamford Bridge, but he will spend the remainder of the 2022-23 season on loan at Lyon.

Gusto, who has made 54 appearances for Lyon since making his debut in January 2021, is reported to have cost Chelsea an initial £26.3million (€29.9m) plus various add-ons.

He becomes Chelsea’s seventh signing of the window following the arrivals of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana and Joao Felix, the latter joining on loan from Atletico Madrid.

The 19-year-old attacking full-back will provide long-term competition and cover for Reece James, who has missed the majority of this season through injury.

Chelsea are also rumoured to still be in the market for a central midfielder, having so far been frustrated in their attempt to sign Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.

Non-league Wrexham will believe they can shock Sheffield United in today’s FA Cup clash.

After all, Phil Parkinson’s side have already knocked out Championship opposition, beating Coventry 4-3 in the previous round.

The National League leaders are enjoying a magnificent season, winning 20 and losing just two of their 27 matches in England’s fifth tier.

Ahead of their fourth-round meeting with the Blades, we look at how the Welsh outfit can pull off another upset.

The power of Parkinson

Parkinson’s men come into this clash off the back of a sixth straight league victory, having beaten Gateshead 3-0 on Tuesday — and the Wrexham manager is thrilled at the prospect of another FA Cup outing.

He said: “For me, the FA Cup has been a great bonus for us.

“We have enjoyed this journey we have been on but I only enjoy it if we go into those games on the back of a win, I really do.

“Now, we can give the boys a bit of a breather because we have had two tough away games and come back in later in the week ready to do ourselves justice at the weekend.

“Moments like that when you are on Match of the Day [after beating Coventry], an iconic football show, and you are first on it, it is great for the area, great for the club and great for the owners.

“Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds deserve that and I am sure they will be watching with great interest on Sunday.”

The 55-year-old coach has plenty of cup pedigree, having taken Bradford City to the League Cup final while they were a League Two club in 2012-13 — beating Watford, Arsenal and Aston Villa on their path to Wembley.

He also famously knocked Chelsea and Sunderland out of the FA Cup with the Bantams in 2014-15, so will be hoping for similar heroics from his team this afternoon.

Mullin magic

Star striker Paul Mullin could be key to Wrexham’s hopes of reaching the fifth round.

The Red Dragons’ talisman, 28, is reportedly among the National League’s highest-paid players — but he is certainly earning his keep.

Mullin is Wrexham’s top scorer, netting a whopping 27 times in 32 appearances across all competitions.

He is the FA Cup’s leading scorer from the first round onwards with six goals — and that is before you factor in his fourth qualifying round effort against Blyth Spartans.

If anyone in Parkinson’s squad can breach the Championship’s tightest defence, it surely has to be the man from Merseyside.

Aerial threat

The razor-sharp Mullin is not Wrexham’s only route to goal, however.

Centre-back Ben Tozer is renowned for a catapult-like long throw — and in the towering No9 Ollie Palmer, he has the perfect target to aim for.

Palmer is the club’s second-highest scorer with 14 strikes to his name and could benefit from his team-mate’s unusual wide deliveries.

The 31-year-old centre forward has played a more limited role in Wrexham’s FA Cup run so far despite netting a crucial goal in the replay against Blyth Spartans.

But the same cannot be said for Tozer, who has started all five of their cup ties to date.

The centre-back, 32, sees a great deal of the ball and helps his side take control of games when in possession. He will be crucial to settling his team down against a strong opponent.

Hayden heroics

As impressive as the multi-talented Tozer is, his centre-back partner Aaron Hayden shines even brighter.

Despite playing at the heart of defence, the 26-year-old is the club’s third-highest scorer with 12 in 26 league outings.

He has yet to get on the scoresheet in the FA Cup this term but Paul Heckingbottom’s unit would do well to be wary of the threat he poses.

Between Hayden and Palmer, Wrexham boast two sizeable targets from set-piece situations — an avenue they may well look to exploit.

Ndiaye danger

For all of the Red Dragons’ attacking arsenal, shutting down one of Sheffield United’s star men will be equally important to their chances of progression.

Iliman Ndiaye, 22, has been among the Championship’s top performers this season, leading to reported transfer interest from Premier League strugglers Everton.

It is not hard to see why the Senegal international is turning heads. No player in the second tier has racked up more goal contributions (17), with 10 league goals and seven assists to his name.

Wrexham will have a job on their hands containing the Blades’ dynamic forward — but minimising his impact could be key to securing a headline-grabbing victory.

After impressing in his debut season at Roma, Tammy Abraham has found life tougher in his second campaign.

The former Chelsea striker helped the Serie A club win the inaugural Europa Conference League last term after Jose Mourinho brought the Englishman to the Italian capital.

His second season has proved to be more difficult, with the 25-year-old only scoring five times in 19 outings.

Ahead of Roma’s trip to leaders Napoli on Sunday night, we take a look at how Abraham’s Italian job is going and what the future might hold for the centre forward.

Roma success

Abraham’s first season in Italy after leaving Stamford Bridge was an undoubted success. He scored 27 goals in 53 games, which included 17 goals in Serie A.

His nine goals in the Europa Conference League were crucial, as Roma won their first trophy since 2008.

Yet it took time for the striker to settle. His first 16 matches in Serie A only saw him score four times, before he struck a further 13 in his next 21 games.

It was perhaps no surprise that the forward failed to make an immediate impact. Not only was he adapting to a new country, but he was also at his fifth club in six seasons.

A product of Chelsea’s academy system, Abraham scored a respectable 30 goals in 82 games for the Blues, but his time at Stamford Bridge was punctuated by a series of loans at Bristol City, Swansea and Aston Villa.

World Cup heartbreak

After overcoming some obstacles to ultimately shine in his opening season at Roma, fresh challenges were thrown his way.

Last summer, the club added Paulo Dybala and Andrea Belotti to their squad, increasing the competition for places at the Stadio Olimpico.

Abraham has largely managed to keep his spot in Mourinho’s starting line-up, despite a disappointing tally of five goals in Serie A and just one in the Europa League.

This lack of form saw Abraham dropped from Gareth Southgate’s England squad and miss out on being involved in the World Cup in Qatar.

If the 11-cap international wants to force his way back into Three Lions reckoning and remain a first-choice for his club, then his goal output will need to increase. The good news is that there are definitely signs of improvement.

Finding form

The World Cup gave Abraham an opportunity to take stock and it seems that he used the time productively.

Speaking about the pause in the season, he said: “The international break helped. I spent time with my family and recovered my energy. It was nice, but even when I was away, I worked a lot. I was always thinking about football.

“I told myself that when I returned, I would have to help the team as much as possible. I wanted to come back to give my best and that’s what I’m doing.”

Abraham’s last three Serie A games have seen him score vital goals against AC Milan and Spezia, along with providing two assists for Dybala in the recent victory against Fiorentina.

Unbeaten in five games since the season resumed, Mourinho’s men are battling for Champions League qualification and are still competing in both the Coppa Italia and Europa League.

Premier League return

No matter how Abraham fares in Italy, it seems inevitable that he will return to England before too long.

When things are going well, the marksman will be monitored by the Premier League’s biggest clubs. If he ultimately falls out of favour, there will be plenty of English teams that will see it as a chance to bring him home.

The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with the South Londoner over the last year. Should his current form continue, those rumours are likely to intensify.

Abraham scored a stunning solo goal last weekend at Spezia, with Dybala providing the assist, as their relationship continues to grow.

There is a lot of work to do for the No9’s second season in the Eternal City to prove to be as successful as his first, but there are signs that he can finish strongly again.