Arsenal are not yet out of the Premier League title race, but the priority of the cup competitions could be Mikel Arteta in good stead during the second half of 2024/25.
The Spaniard's tunnel vision for the league has previously hampered the Gunners in the cups, but Liverpool's lead at the summit means Arsenal are likely to look elsewhere to get the silverware in the fifth year of Arteta's project .
They are one of four teams left in the Carabao Cup after Gabriel Jesus scored his first hat-trick for the club in the quarter-finals. That victory over Crystal Palace inspired a three-match winning streak, but Arsenal go into Tuesday's first leg at Newcastle. 1-1 draw with Brighton.
The Gunners have been hit hard by illness and injury over the past month, with Arteta forced to constantly change his kit. Here's how they could line up against the Magpies.
GK: David Raya – Raya made his Carabao Cup debut for the Gunners in the quarter-finals, conceding twice. With Neto's cup-tied support, the Spaniard is a safe bet to start again.
RB: Jurrien Timber – Timber was suspended for the draw in Brightonbut he is eligible to return on Tuesday. Given his workload over the past month, this break will surely do the Dutchman good.
CB: William Saliba – This is a great game for Arsenal and there is no reason to fire Saliba. The Gunners struggled against Palace in the last eight before the Frenchman entered the fray in the second half.
CB: Gabriel – Jakub Kiwior is waiting in the wings but Arteta may prioritize this game over Sunday's FA Cup clash with Manchester United. Gabriel will continue alongside Saliba in midweek.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly – Riccardo Calafiori impressed at the weekend but Lewis-Skelly deserves a return to the XI. Given that the Italian played the full 90 on Saturday, Arteta can send him out.
CM: Thomas Partey – Partey was excellent at the base of midfield on New Year's Day against Brentford, but Timber's suspension forced him into the backline at Brighton. With the return of the Dutchman, Partey is ready to return to his natural habitat.
CM: Declan Rice – This is a game for Rice and Partey. Newcastle's midfield is killing right now, with their gritty physicality capable of overwhelming most engine rooms they face. Rice will help Arsenal's ability to fight fire with fire.
CM: Martin Odegaard – Physicality is required in the middle of the park against this Newcastle side, but Arsenal also need an artist to disrupt the Magpies' backline. Odegaard was hampered by illness at the weekend.
RW: Gabriel Martinelli – Ethan Nwaneri joins Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling on the left, so we should see Arteta switch to Martinelli on the right.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – Kai Havertz has missed Arsenal's previous two games due to illness, and while he could return on Tuesday, the German is likely to be eased out again. Jesus was the hero last time in this competition and he will win another start.
LW: Leandro Trossard – Martinelli couldn't make a difference out of Tino Livramento the last time these two sides met and it looks like the experienced Trossard will have the chance to beat the impressive young defender in Tuesday's first leg.