Arsenal vs. Newcastle United: silverware on the horizon?

Yesterday at 01:00 PM

The Gunners haven't won a trophy since 2020.

Arsenal host Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal, kicking off a run of five consecutive matches at the Emirates. I'm sure the tie could come at a worse time, but it's pretty poor timing for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta's side is battered, bruised, and injured, particularly on attack. A somewhat soft schedule and their signature tenacious defending have Arsenal on a 13-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, but it's the quietest, least-impressive feeling run of results you'll ever see. Newcastle, on the other hand, have won six straight in all competitions and are flying high. They'll be looking to take one step closer to Newcastle's first trophy since 1955.

Alexander Isak's 13 goals and 4 assists in the Premier League are a big part of Newcastle's success, helped by solid secondary scoring from Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Harvey Barnes. Eddie Howe's midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton are energetic, physical, and generally unpleasant to play against. The Toon are undoubtedly helped by not being in Europe this season. They're fresher and healthier than they were last year. Even just the six additional matches (plus travel, etc.) in the Champions League group stage can have a significant effect.

Arsenal are certainly feeling those effects right now, although the problems started with Martin Ødegaard getting hurt over the first international break of the season. Injuries have compounding effects. The captain's two month absence shifted even more of the attacking burden onto Bukayo Saka's shoulders, and those increased demands almost certainly contributed to his recent hamstring injury that will keep him out for several more weeks.

Ethan Nwaneri, who was used sparingly in the fall, perhaps because he won't turn 18 until March and isn't physically ready for the demands of regular first team football, was forced into playing more frequently. Four appearances out of six possible over a bit more than two weeks and he's now out for a few weeks with a muscle injury.

Gabriel Martinelli, who came on at halftime against Brighton for Nwaneri, didn't start the match because of a small injury issue. Martin Ødegaard (illness) didn't start, either. Kai Havertz, who may or may not be available for selection today, has been out with an illness. Takehiro Tomiyasu is out indefinitely.

Raheem Sterling is out but expected back somewhat soon. Ben White a bit after that — a couple more weeks. Jurrien Timber is available after missing the Brighton match for a yellow card accumulation suspension.

Mikel Arteta has a few lineup decisions to make, but the majority of them have been made for him because of fatigue, illness, and injury. No big deal — this is just the furthest Arsenal have gotten in a cup competition since 2021-22, when they lost 2-0 to Liverpool on aggregate in the semifinal of the Carabao Cup. Should the Gunners advance from this tie, it'll be the second final reached under Mikel Arteta — Arsenal won the 2019-2020 FA Cup during the Project Restart summer.

As little as I care about the Carabao Cup, it would be nice for Arsenal to a win a trophy. But the Gunners are up against it with injuries. They have limited resources (player fitness and energy levels) and looking at the upcoming schedule (Manchester United in the FA Cup, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Dinamo Zagreb in the CL), Mikel Arteta will have some tough choices to make.

If he wants to go for it today, it means that the FA Cup is probably rotation write-off. The club seem committed to battling for the Premier League to the last, and it's not like they can sack off a home North London Derby. They've got to beat Dinamo Zagreb in the CL. They cannot afford to add a two-legged tie to the schedule. Even though they should win at home, the Champions League is tricky and Arsenal are injured.

So, uh, yeah. Up to you, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. Good luck in the first leg of a semifinal against Newcastle, one of the form teams in England. At least Eddie Howe will be without a few players, too. Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes are both suspended for yellow card accumulation. Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Nick Pope, and Callum Wilson are all out through injury.

Lineups will be posted when available.

WHO: Arsenal vs Newcastle United
WHAT: Carabao Cup Semi-Final 1st leg
WHERE: The Emirates Stadium, London
WHEN: Tuesday, January 7th, 12:00 pm PT | 3:00 pm ET | 8:00 pm GMT
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming on Paramount+

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