Ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta has made four key changes to his starting XI. With Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz returning from illness, Arsenal will look to strengthen their bid for silverware. We dive deep into the tactical battles, key player updates, and everything you need to know before kick-off.

Arsenal will be aiming to take a step closer to Carabao Cup glory when they host Newcastle United in the first leg of their semi-final tie this evening. With both teams entering this high-stakes clash in fine form, Mikel Arteta has opted for several strategic changes to his lineup as he looks to secure an advantage ahead of the return leg.

Team News: Arteta’s Tactical Adjustments

In what is expected to be a competitive and tactical showdown, Mikel Arteta has made four changes to his starting XI for tonight’s match. Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz, both of whom had been struggling with illness recently, are fit and ready to feature in this crucial fixture. Ødegaard, who started on the bench during Arsenal’s last match against Brighton & Hove Albion, returns to the starting lineup, while Havertz makes his first appearance in the squad after missing the previous two matches.

As a result of their returns, Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino will be relegated to the bench. Jesus, who has been a key figure for the Gunners, will provide attacking options from the sidelines, while Merino offers depth in midfield.

Arteta has also been handed a boost with Jurrien Timber returning after serving a suspension. The versatile defender will likely offer stability at the back, pushing Thomas Partey back into midfield, where he has excelled in recent seasons. Additionally, Myles Lewis-Skelly is given another opportunity to impress, with his impressive performances earlier in the campaign earning him a starting spot.

On the other side of the defensive line, Riccardo Calafiori is among the substitutes, providing further depth and options for Arteta.

Key Change for Newcastle United

For Newcastle, manager Eddie Howe has made just one change from the side that secured a vital 2-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday. The Magpies will be without the influential Bruno Guimarães due to suspension, which is a significant blow given his key role in the midfield. Former Arsenal man Joe Willock steps in to fill the void left by Guimarães.

Interestingly, Newcastle has yet to win a game without Willock in their starting lineup, having failed to secure a victory in the seven matches he has missed since joining in January 2022. This adds a layer of pressure to the visitors’ tactical setup as they aim to overcome this historical trend.

Tactical Breakdown: What to Expect

The battle between these two sides will likely revolve around control of the midfield and attacking transitions. Arsenal, with their star-studded midfield trio of Partey, Rice, and Ødegaard, will aim to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game. With Havertz providing an additional creative outlet in the final third, Arteta’s team will look to break down Newcastle’s defensive structure with quick, incisive passes and fluid movement.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, a young talent who has impressed in his appearances this season, will play a key role in Arsenal’s midfield, adding energy and dynamism. His performance could prove pivotal, as Newcastle’s midfield options without Guimarães may struggle to cope with the Gunners’ technical superiority.

Newcastle, on the other hand, will look to exploit Arsenal’s high defensive line with counter-attacking play. The pace of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon will be crucial in stretching the Arsenal defense, while Joe Willock will aim to contribute defensively and offer support to Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in central areas.

Defensively, Arsenal will need to be wary of set-pieces and aerial duels. With Sven Botman and Dan Burn providing a significant aerial threat for Newcastle, Arsenal’s backline—led by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães—will need to be vigilant, especially when defending corners and free-kicks.

Line-Ups for Tonight’s Match

Arsenal:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Starting XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Ødegaard; Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz.
• Subs: Porter, Calafiori, Zinchenko, Tierney, Kiwior, Jorginho, Merino, Sterling, Jesus.

Newcastle United:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Starting XI: Dubravka; Livramento, Burn, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Isak.
• Subs: Vlachodimos, Trippier, Targett, Kelly, Longstaff, Miley, Barnes, Almiron, Osula.

Recent Form and Tactical Insights

Arsenal enters this tie on the back of an impressive run in both domestic and European competitions, showcasing their ability to compete on multiple fronts. Arteta’s team has been particularly strong at home, where their possession-based style has been hard to break down. However, the Carabao Cup offers a chance to rotate, and Arteta’s changes reflect the need for freshness and competition for places.

Newcastle, while enduring some inconsistencies in recent weeks, have proven themselves resilient under Eddie Howe’s stewardship. Their defensive solidity and counter-attacking style have often made them a tough nut to crack, particularly away from home. However, without Guimarães, they may struggle to control the middle of the park against a more dynamic Arsenal midfield.

Key Battle to Watch: Midfield Control

The match will likely be won or lost in midfield, with Arsenal’s dominant trio of Rice, Partey, and Ødegaard coming up against the more industrious yet less creative combination of Tonali, Willock, and Joelinton. How both teams set up in these central areas could define the tempo of the match, with Arsenal looking to exploit their technical superiority and Newcastle hoping to disrupt their rhythm through aggressive pressing.

Conclusion

Tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg promises to be an exciting encounter, with Arsenal looking to assert their dominance at home, while Newcastle will aim to defy the odds without their suspended talisman Guimarães. With both teams boasting plenty of quality, this clash is set to provide plenty of tactical intrigue and drama. Arsenal’s superior squad depth and home advantage make them the favorites, but Newcastle’s resilience should not be underestimated.

Will Arsenal take a commanding first-leg advantage, or can Newcastle pull off a surprise result at the Emirates? Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.