Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE: Team information and construct up from Carabao Cup semi-final as hosts goal Wembley
Newcastle United host Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final when the teams clash at St. James’ Park this evening.
Eddie Howe’s men triumphed 2-0 in the first leg in an impressive victory away from home with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scoring either side of half-time to give the Magpies a decent aggregate lead heading into this match. However, Newcastle have lost two of their last three matches and come into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat at home versus Fulham. This slight dip in form may be concerning as they face a confident Arsenal side.
Mikel Arteta’s men defeated Manchester City 5-1 in their last outing extending their unbeaten run to six games. They are staying in touch with Liverpool in the Premier League title race and will bring a determined focus to overturn the deficit.
Follow all the action from St. James’ Park with our live blog below:
History against Arsenal
Before this season, there have been 32 instances of a side losing the first leg of a League Cup semi-final by a margin of two or more goals.
Only one of those have progressed to the final, with Aston Villa overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Tranmere in 1993/94.
Arteta on Havertz
The Arsenal boss explained why Kai Havertz is such an important member of the squad.
He said: “Kai has played so many games, and been so important when other players, some big players as well, were available.
“So it’s not because a player is not coming into his position that he’s going to be more important. In my opinion it’s nothing to do with that.”
Eddie Howe confident Newcastle will step up for cup semi-final after Fulham loss
Eddie Howe is confident Newcastle will step up for their Carabao Cup semi-final showdown with Arsenal after suffering a second-successive Premier League horror show at St James’ Park.
Two weeks after being humbled 4-1 on their own pitch by Bournemouth, the Magpies squandered a lead to lose 2-1 to Fulham, the worst possible preparation for Wednesday night’s second leg against the Gunners, into which they will take a 2-0 lead.
Newcastle team to face Arsenal
Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn; Tonali, Guimaraes, Hall; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
‘A big night on Tyneside’
“A big night on Tyneside.
“When Newcastle won 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium a month ago, the tie felt almost over. But with Newcastle losing their last two games at home and Arsenal walloping Manchester City 5-1, there are reasons to think a comeback could be possible.
“The first goal could be pivotal. That may explain why Eddie Howe has recalled the experienced Kieran Trippier.
“Arsenal, unsurprisingly, are unchanged.”
Arsenal team to face Newcastle
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli
Can Newcastle beat Arsenal three times in a row?
Newcastle have won four of their last seven meetings with Arsenal in all competitions, as many as they had in their previous 45.
They’ve never beaten the Gunners in three different matches in a single campaign before.
A bleak outlook for Arsenal
Before this season, there were 31 cases of a team losing the first leg of a League Cup semi-final at home.
Only two of the previous 31 have progressed to the final, with Arsenal being the last to do so against Tottenham in 1986/87.
Newcastle vs Arsenal
Newcastle are aiming to reach the League Cup final for the third time, progressing from both of their semi-final ties in 1975/76 and 2022/23.
They’ve won both of their previous semi-final home legs.
Can Newcastle reach the final?
Newcastle reached the Carabao Cup final two years ago in what was their first Wembley final visit since the 1999 FA Cup final.
They faced Manchester United who ran out 2-0 winners in Erik ten Hag’s first year in charge extending Newcastle’s long wait for a trophy.
Howe’s men are primed to make it to Wembley again and anything but defeat by three goals or more will give them a chance to reach the showpiece match.