Arsenal will know how difficult a second leg at St James’ could be, having lost there already this season, and will be desperate to take a lead of any kind to Tyneside, but they face a Newcastle team that has been in fine form in recent weeks, having won their last six matches in all competitions.
The psychological advantage may be with the Magpies considering their win earlier this season and the fact that the second leg takes place at St James’, though Arsenal’s resolute defending in recent weeks means that it is difficult to find a goal against the Gunners, let alone two or more.
Arsenal host Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night, with both sides looking to take what could be a vital advantage to St James’ Park (8pm, Sky Sports Main Event).
The Gunners remain firmly in the Premier League title race after the weekend’s results, but attention turns to the first cup competition of the season as Mikel Arteta’s side hunt a first major trophy since 2020.
Newcastle have flown up the table in recent weeks to put themselves in contention for European football next season, but Tuesday provides an altogether different setting as both teams battle to put one foot in the final.
