Time & Location
Jan 07, 2025, 3:00 PM EST
Dillon's, 955 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Match Details
Semi-final, first leg.
Arsenal shift their focus from Premier League action to both domestic cup competitions this week. First up is the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United. The Gunners concluded the festive period with a frustrating 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion, where Ethan Nwaneri's early goal was cancelled out by a controversial penalty. This fixture marks the third of nine matches Arsenal face in January, an intense schedule exacerbated by an ever-growing injury list. Nwanieri, now set to miss several weeks, joins long-term absentees Saka (expected to be out until March) and Tomiyasu (who knows?). Ben White, and Raheem Sterling should return in January, but not in time for this one. Mikel Arteta will need to be even more creative in his tactics and team selections than was already the case.
Newcastle United enter this clash buoyed by a resurgence in form, winning their last six on the spin in all competitions. The pressure has eased on manager Eddie Howe, at least for now. The season's first meeting between these sides back in November at St James' Park saw Arsenal suffer a maddening 1-0 loss for the second consecutive season. The match represented perhaps the nadir of the team's lack of midfield creativity during Martin Ødegaard's injury absence. Looking ahead, the Magpies face their own selection challenges, with key players such as Callum Wilson and Nick Pope expected to miss the upcoming tie.
You know the drill. See you at Dillon's!
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