The Independent
·5 February 2025
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Yahoo sportsThe Independent
·5 February 2025
Newcastle face Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with the hosts looking to make the final of this competition for the second time in three seasons.
The Magpies are hoping for another chance to end their 70-year trophy drought, having lost 2-0 to Manchester United in the Wembley showpiece in 2023.
And they are well-positioned to make the final, having beaten the Gunners 2-0 at the Emirates last month.
Mikel Arteta’s side are in a buoyant mood after demolishing Manchester City 5-1 at the weekend, but while Eddie Howe’s men lost to Fulham recently, they tend to be far more impressive at home, and will be spurred on by a raucous St James’ Park crowd.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match:
The Carabao Cup semi-final fixture will kick off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, 5 February.
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football, with coverage getting underway at 7pm. A live stream will be available via Sky Go.
For Newcastle, the only long-term absentees are Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles. Callum Wilson could make a return to the squad after a longer lay-off.
Joelinton could be another doubt after coming off against Fulham with a knee problem, with Joe Willock in line to replace him as he did at the weekend.
Arteta has no new injury concerns after the win over Man City, though both Bukayo Saka and Ben White are still a few weeks away from a return.
Takehiro Tomiyasu looks like a longer-term absentee, while Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out for the rest of the season after his ACL injury.
Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli.
Newcastle to win – 21/10
Draw – 13/5
Arsenal to win – 6/5
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Despite Arsenal’s resounding victory over City, Newcastle will make it far more difficult for the Gunners in attack and will offer a threat of their own going forward.
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal.