The Carabao Cup semi-final kicks off on Tuesday evening, with Arsenal hosting Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.
These two matches will determine who will compete for glory at Wembley in March, with the winner of this tie facing either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool under the famous arch.
Arsenal extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 games at the weekend, but were disappointed to only manage a draw with Brighton. They remain in the Premier League title race, although Mikel Arteta may be better off prioritizing cup competitions in the second half of the season.
The Gunners qualified for the semi-finals in this competition thanks to Gabriel Jesus' maiden Arsenal A hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Newcastle also fell Premier League opposition to reach the semi-finals, with the Magpies benefiting from Thomas Frank rotating his squad heavily on Tyneside. Eddie Howe's side won 3-1 at home to Brentford, and have continued to win ever since.
Five successive Premier League wins mean Newcastle are up to fifth in the table and once again look like a team capable of stepping into the aristocracy.
here 90 minutes Tuesday's guide Carabao Cup The first leg of the semi-final.
Arsenal and Newcastle live results (last five matches)
Current form (all competitions)
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Arsenal |
Newcastle |
|---|---|
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Brighton 1-1 Arsenal – 04/01/25 |
Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle – 04/01/25 |
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Brentford 1-3 Arsenal – 01/01/25 |
Manchester United 0-2 Newcastle – 12/30/24 |
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Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich – 27/12/24 |
Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa – 12/26/24 |
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Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal – 12/21/24 |
Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle – 12/21/24 |
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Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace – 12/18/24 |
Newcastle 3-1 Brentford – 12/18/24 |
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nation |
TV Channel/Live Broadcast |
|---|---|
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UK |
Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD, NOW TV, SKY GO Extra, SKY GO, ITV1, ITVX |
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US |
Paramount+ |
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Canada |
DAZN CANADA |
Arsenal's squad fell ill last week, with Kai Havertz missing Arsenal's previous two matches as a result. Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice have reportedly been affected.
Arteta hopes that his players will be in better condition on Tuesday, given the physical fitness that Newcastle possesses.
On the injury front, Ethan Nwaneri will be out for several weeks after suffering a muscle injury Brighton. The teenager joins Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room.
Jurrian Timber is eligible to return from suspension.
Arsenal's expected lineup against Newcastle (4-3-3):Ria; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.
Howe was pleased with what he saw from Sven Botman on Saturday, with the Dutchman making his second return from a long-term knee injury. The centre-back may be forced to make another start in quick succession with Fabian Schar still suspended.
There could be a reshuffle in midfield given the minutes Howe has played in recent weeks. Bruno Guimaraes has been suspended, so former Gunner Joe Willock could join the team. Harvey Barnes may also be rotated up front, but Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon should keep their places.
The visitors are still without Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth. Nick Pope is a doubt.
Newcastle expected lineup against Arsenal (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Char, Byrne, Hall; Tonali, Joelinton, Wheelock; Gordon, Isaac, Barnes.
This looks to be a big game for Arsenal, who will need to step up with them at St James' Park in February. On the contrary, Howe will be satisfied with a draw and we have seen the Newcastle manager confuse his Spanish counterpart on several occasions since taking charge of Newcastle.
Arsenal have failed to score in three of their previous five meetings against Newcastle.
On Tuesday the visitors returned to their worst and strongest form, but Howe will need to rotate in order to make long-term gains in midweek, which should open the door for the home side.
They will have to work their way through it, but Arsenal's desperation could push them over the line at home. Whether or not the single-target advantage will be enough is a different story.
