The Carabao Cup semi-finals take place on Tuesday night as Arsenal host Newcastle United at the Emirates.
These two-legged affairs will decide 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 claim just a draw at Brighton. They remain in contention for the Premier League title, although Mikel Arteta may be better served prioritizing cup competitions in the second half of the season.
The Gunners progressed to the last four of this competition thanks to Gabriel Jesus' daughter Arsenal hat-trick in the 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Newcastle were also relegated Premier League opponents to progress to the semi-finals, with the Magpies benefiting from Thomas Frank rotating his team a lot on Tyneside. Eddie Howe's side ran out 3-1 winners at home to Brentford, and they have continued to win ever since.
Five straight wins in the Premier League means Newcastle move up to fifth in the table and they again look like a team capable of messing with the aristocracy.
Here it is 90 minutes guide for tuesday Carabao Cup the first semi-final match.
Arsenal vs Newcastle H2H results (last five matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Arsenal |
Newcastle |
|---|---|
|
Brighton 1-1 Arsenal – 04/01/25 |
Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle – 04/01/25 |
|
Brentford 1-3 Arsenal – 01/01/25 |
Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle – 30/12/24 |
|
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich – 27/12/24 |
Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa – 26/12/24 |
|
Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal – 21/12/24 |
Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle – 21/12/24 |
|
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace – 18/12/24 |
Newcastle 3-1 Brentford – 18/12/24 |
|
country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD, NOW TV, SKY GO Extra, SKY GO, ITV1, ITVX |
|
United States |
Paramount+ |
|
Canada |
DAZN Canada |
Arsenal's squad was hit by illness last week, with Kai Havertz missing the Gunners' previous two outings as a result. Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice were also reportedly affected.
Arteta will be hoping his players are in better shape on Tuesday given the physicality Newcastle possess.
On the injury front, Ethan Nwaneri has been ruled out for several weeks after picking up a hamstring problem Brighton. The teenager joins Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room.
Jurrien Timber is eligible to return from suspension.
Arsenal predicted formation against Newcastle (4-3-3): Raya; Lumber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.
Howe will have been 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 could be forced into another fast start with Fabian Schar still suspended.
There could be a midfield reshuffle given the minutes Howe's starters have been getting in recent weeks. Bruno Guimaraes is suspended, so former striker Joe Willock could come into the team. Harvey Barnes could also be replaced in the front line, 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 predicted formation against Arsenal (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Joelinton, Willock; Gordon, Isaac, Barnes.
This feels like a huge game for Arsenal, who will need to take a lead with them in St. James' Park in February. Howe, by contrast, will be content with a draw and we've seen the Newcastle boss upset his Spanish counterpart on several occasions since taking over at the Magpies.
Arsenal have failed to score in three of their previous five meetings against Newcastle.
Tuesday's visitors are back to their worst and most powerful form, but Howe will need to turn around for the sake of long-term gains in midweek, which should open the door for the hosts.
They will have to see it through, but Arsenal's desperation could see them over the line on home soil. Whether a one-goal lead will be enough is another story.