Arsenal will look to extend their impressive home record against Newcastle United as they face the Magpies in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 13 home games against Newcastle, winning 12, but they will be keen to overcome a disappointing run of three defeats in their last four visits to Tyneside. Mikel Arteta’s side have won all four previous League Cup meetings against Newcastle, scoring 12 goals and conceding none.
Both clubs are desperate for silverware: Arsenal haven’t lifted the League Cup since 1993, while Newcastle’s last domestic trophy came in 1955. Both teams will be eager to reach the final at Wembley on 16 March.
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Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dealt another blow on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton, despite taking the lead through Ethan Nwaneri. With their league hopes fading, the Gunners will be keen to push for cup glory, especially considering their FA Cup win in 2020 remains their most recent trophy. To get to the semi-finals, Arsenal have seen off Bolton, Preston North End, and Crystal Palace, scoring 11 goals. Now, they are aiming to lift the League Cup for the first time in 32 years.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are full of confidence. Eddie Howe’s side has won six straight games, including a 2-1 victory over Tottenham at the weekend, and they have climbed to fifth in the Premier League, just five points behind Arsenal. Newcastle made it all the way to the League Cup final two years ago, but were defeated 2-0 by Manchester United. Their last major trophy remains the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup from 1969, with their most recent domestic title coming 70 years ago.
However, Newcastle’s cup campaign has not been straightforward, having required a penalty shootout to progress past Nottingham Forest in the early rounds. Still, the Magpies are in top form and, with 6,000 fans backing them, they will look to put in a strong performance in North London ahead of the return leg at St James’ Park.
Arsenal are depleted by injuries. Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Benjamin White remain sidelined, while Kai Havertz is missing due to illness. Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli are only fit enough for a place on the bench. The Gunners will be boosted by the return of Jurriën Timber at right-back, with Thomas Partey set to return to midfield. However, teenager Ethan Nwaneri was substituted at half-time in the Brighton match due to a muscular issue, and Arteta’s team will await an update on his availability.
For Newcastle, they will be without key players Fabian Schär and Bruno Guimarães due to suspension. Schär’s absence is particularly significant as he was also banned for their recent trip to Tottenham. However, they will be boosted by the return of Sven Botman, who is expected to feature for the first time in nearly 300 days after recovering from a ruptured ACL. Sean Longstaff is likely to replace Guimarães in midfield, and Jacob Murphy’s excellent form means he will keep his place in attack.
Arsenal Predicted Line-up (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Ødegaard; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli.
Newcastle Predicted Line-up (4-3-3):Dúbravka; Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Longstaff, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Isak.
