The Carabao Cup semi-finals get underway on Tuesday night as Arsenal welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates.
These two-legged affairs will decide who competes for glory at Wembley in March, with the winner of this tie facing 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 claim a draw at Brighton. They remain in the Premier League title race, although Mikel Arteta may be better served prioritising cup competitions in the second half of the season.
The Gunners progressed into the last four of this competition by virtue of Gabriel Jesus’ maiden Arsenal hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Newcastle also downed Premier League opposition to make the semi-finals, with the Magpies benefitting from Thomas Frank rotating his team heavily on Tyneside. Eddie Howe’s side ran out 3-1 winners at home against Brentford, and they’ve continued to win since.
Five straight Premier League victories mean Newcastle up to fifth in the table and they once again look like a side capable of meddling with the aristocracy.
The Arsenal squad was hit by illness last week, with Kai Havertz missing the Gunners’ previous two outings as a result. Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice were also reportedly affected.
Arteta will hope his players are in better shape come Tuesday given the physicality Newcastle possess.
On the injury front, Ethan Nwaneri is set for several weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a muscle issue at Brighton. The teenager joins Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room.
Jurrien Timber is eligible to return from suspension.
Howe would’ve been pleased with what he saw from Sven Botman on Saturday, with the Dutchman returning for a second time from a long-term knee injury. The centre-back may be forced into another start in quick succession with Fabian Schar still suspended.
There could be a reshuffle in midfield given the minutes Howe’s starters have gotten through in recent weeks. Bruno Guimaraes is suspended, so former Gunner Joe Willock could come into the team. Harvey Barnes may also be rotated into the frontline, but Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon should retain their places.
The visitors are still without Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth. Nick Pope is a doubt.
