The biggest match in years is finally here as Newcastle United face Arsenal with a trip to Wembley in the Carabao Cup final on the line.
It’s been a difficult couple of weeks for Newcastle United since the first leg as their unbeaten run has ended, and they have lost twice at home to Bournemouth and Fulham.
Though Eddie Howe’s side’s confidence may have taken a hit, they must go into the second leg believing their advantage can help them advance to the Carabao Cup final.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon gave the Magpies a 2-0 victory at the Emirates and a healthy aggregate lead over Arsenal.
However, the Gunners have proven more than capable of scoring enough goals to level the tie and will still be on a high after destroying Manchester City 5-1 on Sunday.
It’s set to be an incredible atmosphere and here is everything you need to know about the fixture.
Newcastle United vs Arsenal kick-off time
Newcastle United vs Arsenal in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals will kick off at 8 pm at St. James’ Park.
How to watch Newcastle vs Arsenal
The match, like the first leg and the other fixtures in the competition, will be broadcast by Sky Sports so there are multiple ways to watch.
TV channel
Sky Sports will show the match on their channels Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage getting underway at 7 pm.
Newcastle vs Arsenal live stream
If you are a Sky customer, the match will also be available to live stream on their online streaming platform Sky Go.
If not, you can purchase a Now TV day membership pass which will allow you to watch all the day’s Sky Sports coverage and stream it on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
A day pass costs £14.99, a flexible monthly membership is £34.99 and a 12-month contract costs £26 a month.
Newcastle United vs Arsenal team news
Howe has a smaller squad to choose from since the first leg following Miguel Almiron’s £10m sale to Atlanta United.
Lloyd Kelly’s deadline-day switch to Juventus has seen his defensive options shorten, too, but, in even worse news, Joelinton will likely be unavailable.
Joelinton was taken off with a knee injury during the weekend’s loss to Fulham and the Brazilian was not spotted in training on Monday ahead of the match.
Howe said in his pre-match press conference: “Joey had a knee brace on as a precaution. I would say he is a doubt, but we will give him every chance to be fit.
“Our centre midfield, we have good strength in depth – Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock – they all bring something different.”
He has joined Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles on the injury list but Callum Wilson could return on the bench.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Carabao Cup semi-finals away goals, extra time and VAR
There are a few rules fans should be aware of going into the crucial match.
Away goals: Though it is a two-legged tie, away goals do not count as double in this match. So Arsenal will get no advantage should they score more than two away goals but the tie finishes level.
Extra time: Though extra time has not been used in the Carabao Cup up to and including the quarter-finals, that is not the case in the semis. Should the match finish level on aggregate after 90 minutes, then an additional half an hour will be played before, if required, penalties.
VAR: VAR also hasn’t been utilised in the competition until this stage but is in use in the semi-finals and final.
Referee and officials
- Referee: Simon Hooper
- Assistants: Adrian Holmes and Simon Long
- Fourth official: Thomas Bramall
- VAR: John Brooks
- AVAR: Nick Hopton
Predictions
This one is very difficult to call. A packed St. James’ will create a cauldron of noise in their attempt to will Newcastle on and the team has proven capable of beating Arsenal.
However, the Toon have been knocked off their relentless stride and Arsenal have more quality, easily capable of turning a 2-0 deficit around.
If Newcastle score early then a 3-0 aggregate lead does look a lot healthier but it’s easy to see the match going to penalties as well.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal (winner decided on penalties)
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