The Football Faithful
·7 janvier 2025
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·7 janvier 2025
Arsenal host Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie this evening.
Two teams desperate for silverware do battle at the Emirates, looking to earn an advantage ahead of the return next month.
Mikel Arteta’s side extended their unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions after a 1-1 draw at Brighton at the weekend. However, there was disappointment as a controversial penalty call handed Brighton an equaliser and dented the Gunners’ title bid.
The North London side continue to compete on four fronts, however, and will hope to take a step towards Wembley this evening.
Arsenal have a poor record in this competition and have won the League Cup just twice in their history. Their last success in this tournament was 32 years ago. No side has lost more League Cup finals (6) than the Gunners.
Arsenal could be without Ethan Nwaneri after the 17-year-old was substituted at half-time against Brighton. Having opened the scoring at the AMEX Stadium, Nwaneri was withdrawn at the interval with a muscular issue and is a major doubt.
Kai Havertz also faces a race against time to prove his fitness after missing the last two fixtures through illness.
Bukayo Saka remains a long-term absentee after undergoing hamstring surgery. He joins Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room, who are each recovering from knee issues.
Jurrien Timber is available again after he served a one-game suspension, though on-loan goalkeeper Neto is cup-tied.
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.
Arsenal host Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie on Tuesday 7th January 2024. Kick-off at the Emirates is 8pm GMT.
You can watch the game live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event from 7pm.