The Carabao Cup semi-final begins on Tuesday evening when Arsenal host Newcastle United at the Emirates.
These two-legged affairs will decide who competes for glory at Wembley Stadium in March. The winner of this duel will face 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 at Brighton. They remain in the Premier League title race, although Mikel Arteta may be better served by prioritizing cup competitions in the second half of the season.
The Gunners reached the last four of this competition thanks to Gabriel Jesus’ first Arsenal hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Newcastle also defeated Premier League opponents to reach the semi-finals, with the Magpies benefiting from Thomas Frank rotating his team heavily on Tyneside. Eddie Howe’s side beat Brentford 3-1 at home and have continued to win ever since.
Five straight wins in the Premier League means Newcastle have moved up to fifth in the table and they once again look like a team capable of mingling with the aristocracy.
Here is 90 minutes Guide to Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Arsenal vs Newcastle H2H results (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
arsenal | Newcastle |
|---|---|
Brighton 1-1 Arsenal – 01/04/25 | Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle – 01/04/25 |
Brentford 1-3 Arsenal – 01/01/25 | Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle – 30/12/24 |
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich – 12/27/24 | Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa – 12/26/24 |
Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal – 12/21/24 | Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle – 12/21/24 |
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace – 12/18/24 | Newcastle 3-1 Brentford – 12/18/24 |
country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
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 |
The Arsenal squad was hit by illness last week, causing Kai Havertz to miss the Gunners’ previous two games. 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 will be sidelined for several weeks after picking up a muscle problem in Brighton. The teenager joins Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room.
Jurrien Timber is eligible to return after his suspension.
Predicted Arsenal line-up against Newcastle (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.
Howe would have been happy 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 to start again in quick succession as Fabian Schar remains suspended.
Given the minutes Howe’s starters have played in recent weeks, there could be a midfield reshuffle. Bruno Guimaraes is suspended, so former Gunner Joe Willock could join the team. Harvey Barnes may also be moved to the front line, but Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon should keep their places.
The guests will still have to do without Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth. Nick Pope is doubtful.
Predicted line-up for Newcastle vs Arsenal (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Joelinton, Willock; Gordon, Isaac, Barnes.
This feels like a big game for Arsenal, who need to take the lead at St James’ Park in February. Howe, on the other hand, will be happy with a draw and we have seen the Newcastle manager stun his Spanish counterpart on several occasions since taking over at the Magpies.
Arsenal have failed to score in three of their last five meetings against Newcastle.
Tuesday’s visitors have returned to their worst and strongest form, but Howe will need to rotate midweek in the interests of long-term winning, which should open the door for the hosts.
They have to fight through, but Arsenal’s desperation could get them over the finish line on home soil. Whether a one-goal lead is enough is a different story.