I asked AI to predict Arsenal v Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final - and here's the results

Like it or loathe it, we live a world where AI - or artificial intelligence - is creeping into every corner of society.

Long gone are the days of predictive text or autocorrect being your only daily dalliance with an industry that was formerly resigned to the big screen or fiction.

Now, it’s in everything, and can do virtually everything, too - including, it seems, predict Premier League football results.

So, we asked X’s own AI, Grok, to get its crystal ball out and predict what would happen as Newcastle United travel to North London to take on Tottenham Hotspur. And here’s what it said.

The context

Like most people, AI favours the home side, although it says an “intriguing contest” awaits.

Grok states: “Arsenal has a strong home record, with no defeats in their last 17 competitive games at the Emirates. Their recent form shows an unbeaten run of 13 games, which suggests they could “leverage their home advantage effectively.”

In continues: However, Newcastle has been in excellent form, winning their last six matches across all competitions. Despite this, they've had less success historically at Arsenal's ground, not securing a win there since 2010. The absence of key players like Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar for Newcastle due to suspensions might tilt the scales slightly towards Arsenal. Still, Newcastle's attacking prowess, particularly with Alexander Isak, could see them score, but Arsenal's depth and home advantage might help them secure a narrow win.”

The prediction: Arsenal ? NUFC ?

AI thinks Arsenal will win, but just by a one goal margin. They’ve predicted the Gunners to walk away with a 2-1 lead heading to the second leg.

I mean, a win or draw would be preferable, but Newcastle would definitely take that, right?

The scorers & how the match may play out

The belief, from AI analysis is that Arsenal will take the lead, with Grok thinking it is Gabriel Martinelli who will open the scoring on 24 minutes. It says: “With Saka out, Martinelli might take on more responsibility on the wing. His pace and directness could lead to the opening goal, possibly cutting in from the left and finishing with his right foot.”

However, it then has Newcastle levelling things up, with that man - yes, you guessed it - Alexander Isak netting on 45+2. It says: “Isak's speed and composure in front of goal could see him score an equaliser just before half-time, perhaps from a counter-attack or a cleverly taken free-kick.”

But the match will be won on 65, when Kai Havertz - it wouldn’t be well received if he nets given his antics in recent encounters between the sides - “with his ability to find space in the box, might score from a well-timed run or from a set-piece situation, helping Arsenal secure a lead.”

Reasons for the result?

“Arsenal has had several players out injured or suspended, which could impact their performance over two legs. The return of players like Jurrien Timber for Arsenal or the absence of key Newcastle players like Schar and Guimaraes in the first leg will be crucial.

Tactical Approaches: “Both managers, Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe, are known for their tactical acumen. How they adapt to each other's strategies will be critical, especially in the second leg where the aggregate scoreline comes into play.

“Without Saka, Arsenal might adopt a slightly different approach, possibly relying more on central play and set pieces. Newcastle's home advantage in the second leg could lead to an early goal, setting the stage for an exciting match where both teams find the net.”

Player Form: “The performances of key players like Gabriel Jesus for Arsenal and Alexander Isak for Newcastle will be pivotal. Given Saka's absence, players like Martinelli and Havertz will likely step up, with Martinelli potentially taking on more of the attacking burden. Jesus's recent performances make him a likely candidate to score for Arsenal.”

And for the second leg?

Well, let’s see how the first one plays out, but AI does see Newcastle levelling things up by winning at St James’ Park 2-1 and progressing to the final. It states: “St. James' Park has been a fortress for Newcastle this season, with the team showing significant strength in their recent home performances. The return of players from suspension could bolster Newcastle's line-up, making them a formidable opponent. Arsenal might struggle to keep a clean sheet given Newcastle's current goal-scoring form. The match could be tight, with both teams likely to score, but Newcastle's home advantage and their drive to reach the final might just see them through..”

Here’s to hoping!