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

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Discover how AI analysis sees Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash with Arsenal at St James’ Park playing out.

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.

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

So, we asked X’s own AI, Grok, to get its crystal ball out and predict what would happen as Newcastle United take on Arsenal in the Carabao Cup at St James’ Park looking to finish the job they started with a 2-0 win at the Emirates last month. And here’s what it said.

The context

We all know what happened down at the Emirates a month ago, and although Eddie Howe won’t admit it, it was probably his team’s best performance since he took the reins back in 2021.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, then a remarkable bodies on the line performance after that, ensured the Magpies have a two-goal cushion at St James’ Park.

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And, in what might be a surprise given recent results, Grok thinks Howe’s men will do the business again on Wednesday night.

It says: “Arsenal will need to overcome a deficit. The home advantage for Newcastle and their recent home record suggest this will be a tough ask. If Arsenal can get key players back from injury, they might have a chance to turn the tie around, but their away form against Newcastle has been less than stellar historically.”

On the Magpies it adds: “With the home crowd behind them and the potential return of suspended Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle could be in a strong position. Their fortress-like performance at St. James' Park this season, coupled with their current form, indicates they could extend their lead in the tie.”

I mean, fortress is definitely taking it a bit far, but we’ll go with it.

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Prediction: NUFC ?? Arsenal ??

It says: “Newcastle's home form and the psychological boost from the first leg could see them through. However, football is unpredictable, and if Arsenal can find their best form, they might make it a very close contest. Predicted Score: Newcastle 2-1 Arsenal, giving Newcastle a 4-1 aggregate win.”

Who will score for Newcastle and Arsenal?

Now, we know it might be asking it a bit much, but we went for the scorers, too. And AI didn’t disappoint.

It says: “Predicting who will score the goals in a football match involves a bit of speculation, but based on current form, historical performance, and player roles, here are some likely candidates for both teams in the Carabao Cup semi-final.”

How AI imagines Alexander Isak in the Carabao Cup semi-final v Arsenal.How AI imagines Alexander Isak in the Carabao Cup semi-final v Arsenal.
How AI imagines Alexander Isak in the Carabao Cup semi-final v Arsenal. | Grok AI

For Arsenal it predicts Kai Havertz will net. It explains: “Often playing just behind the striker, Havertz's intelligent runs and finishing could see him on the scoresheet, especially from set pieces or counter-attacks.”

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For the Magpies, it’s little surprise who it names, although another name off the bench might raise an eyebrow or two.

It says: “Currently in scintillating form, Alexander Isak has been Newcastle's main man upfront, with his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing. He's likely to be their primary goal threat.

“And Callum Wilson, if he's fit to play, has a history of scoring important goals for Newcastle, particularly in cup games. His ability to come off the bench and make an impact could be key.”

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