Newcastle host Arsenal for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, and it’s live on talkSPORT.
The Magpies hold a vital 2-0 lead heading into the return leg at St James’ Park thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Eddie Howe‘s men are the only away team to win at the Emirates this season (excluding extra-time and penalties), while they’ve already beaten Arsenal at home in the Premier League.
However, since the last leg, a lot has changed for both clubs, and the Toon have actually lost both of their last two home games to Bournemouth and Fulham, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Gunners cruised through the Champions League League Phase and smashed Manchester City 5-1.
So, Mikel Arteta‘s men will be heading to Tyneside full of confidence.
Newcastle vs Arsenal: Up for the cup
This is a massive game for both clubs as they look to end their trophy droughts.
Admittedly, Newcastle’s is a whole lot longer, with the Toon not winning anything major since 1969.
They came close in this competition in 2023 but lost to Manchester United in the final.
Meanwhile, Arsenal haven’t won a major trophy since the 2019/20 FA Cup – unless you count the Community Shield.
They’ve only won the League Cup twice in their history and last lifted this particular trophy in the 1992/93 campaign.
- Newcastle are aiming to reach the League Cup final for the third time, progressing from both of their semi-final ties in 1975-76 and 2022-23. They’ve won both of their previous semi-final home legs.
- Before this season, there were 31 cases of a team losing the first leg of a League Cup semi-final at home, with Arsenal losing 2-0 against Newcastle last month. Only two of the previous 31 have progressed to the final, with the Gunners the last to do so against Tottenham in 1986-87.
- Alexander Isak has scored in both meetings with Arsenal in all competitions this season, with both the being opening (and ultimately, winning) goal of the game. No Newcastle player has ever scored in three different games against the Gunners in a single campaign.
Newcastle vs Arsenal: Team news
The hosts could be set to welcome Callum Wilson back from injury.
The striker has only made four appearances this season after a series of setbacks, but he is in full training with the squad.
Nick Pope is also edging closer to a return while Harvey Barnes is out.
Joelinton is doubtful after he was spotted wearing a knee brace, meaning Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley are on standby.
Sven Botman is also pushing for a start.
For Arsenal, they remain without some key players.
Gabriel Jesus is out for the season with an ACL injury, and it is too soon for Bukayo Saka to return.
Ben White is back running but remains out with Takehiro Tomiyasu.
- Newcastle have won four of their last seven meetings with Arsenal in all competitions (D1 L2), as many as they had in their previous 45 against the Gunners. They’ve never beaten Arsenal in three different matches in a single campaign before.
- Before this season, there have been 32 instances of a side losing the first leg of a League Cup semi-final by a margin of two or more goals (as Arsenal did against Newcastle this term). Only one of those have progressed to the final, with Aston Villa overturning a 3-1 first leg deficit against Tranmere in 1993-94.
- Arsenal lost the first leg against Newcastle 2-0 last month despite having 23 shots and posting an Expected Goals total of 3.2. They also lost 1-0 at St James’ Park in the Premier League back in November. Only against three sides have Arsenal failed to score in three different games in a single season in the 21st century (Liverpool in 2021-22, Chelsea in 2013-14 and Man Utd in 2004-05).
Newcastle vs Arsenal: What has been said?
Toon boss Howe has called on the Newcastle supporters to create a special atmosphere.
He said: “I think [our success] has been a combination of us and the crowd.
“I think we’ve become a really potent team together and that is what we are going to need in this game.
“We are going to need to engage all our supporters in our energy and our body language, we need to make this a formidable environment for our opponent. It is our duty to do that.”
- Newcastle have won their last seven home games in the League Cup, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just two goals in that run.
- Arsenal have lost just one of their last 10 away games in the League Cup (W5 D4). They’ve kept eight clean sheets in that run, but have conceded at least three goals in the other two (5-5 v Liverpool, 1-3 v West Ham).
Newcastle vs Arsenal: Date and how to follow
The Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg is set to take place on Wednesday, February 5.
Kick-off at St James’ Park is scheduled for 8pm.
talkSPORT will have live commentary of the game from Tyneside, with Adrian Durham serving as your host.
Commentary will then come from Sam Matterface and England icon Stuart Pearce.
talkSPORT.com will also have all the reaction.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.