The starting line-ups for the first leg of Arsenal’s EFL Cup semi-final against Newcastle this evening have been confirmed.
Arsenal and Newcastle go head-to-head in search of the first piece of silverware of the English football silverware, with the first leg taking place at the Emirates tonight before next week’s second leg at St James’ Park on February 5.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has not won a major trophy since his FA Cup triumph in his first season in North London in 2019-20, as they currently also battle for an elusive Premier League title.
The Magpies have not won a major trophy since 1955 and fell short in the final of the competition in 2022. Eddie Howe’s men are currently in fine form in the Premier League after winning their last six games.
Here is all the latest team news ahead of tonight’s 8pm kick-off at the Emirates.
📰 Table Of Contents
Arsenal team news
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🔙 Timber returns from suspension
🪄 Trossard on the wing
🙌 Havertz leads the lineLet’s show our character, Gunners ✊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 7, 2025
Arteta has put a strong side out as he looks to end Arsenal’s trophy drought.
David Raya remains in goal and a back four of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber will start.
Thomas Partey sits with Declan Rice alongside him.
Martin Odegaard has overcome his illness to return to the starting XI, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings.
Kai Havertz leads the line.
Newcastle team news
HOWAY THE LADS! ✊ pic.twitter.com/RYeRuXfJ6S
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 7, 2025
Eddie Howe makes just one change from Saturday’s win over Tottenham.
Martin Dubravka is in net, with Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall at the back.
Sandro Tonali holds the line and is joined by Joelinton and Joe Willock, who replaces Bruno Guimaraes.
Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon occupy the wide areas.
And Alexander Isak is the solo striker.
