Arsenal are not yet out of the Premier League title race, but prioritising the cup competitions may stand Mikel Arteta in good stead during the second half of 2024/25.
The Spaniard’s tunnel vision for the league has previously hindered the Gunners in the cups, but Liverpool’s superiority at the summit means Arsenal will likely have to search elsewhere to claim silverware in year five of Arteta’s project.
They’re one of four remaining teams in the Carabao Cup after Gabriel Jesus bagged his first hat-trick for the club in the quarter-finals. That victory over Crystal Palace inspired a three-game winning run, but Arsenal head into Tuesday’s first leg with Newcastle off the back of a 1-1 draw with Brighton.
The Gunners have been hit hard by illness and injuries over the past month, with Arteta forced to constantly shuffle his pack. Here’s how they could line up against the Magpies.
GK: David Raya – Raya made his first Carabao Cup appearance for the Gunners in the quarter-finals, conceding twice. With back-up Neto cup-tied, the Spaniard is a sure bet to start again.
RB: Jurrien Timber – Timber was suspended for the draw at Brighton, but he’s eligible to return on Tuesday. Given his workload over the past month, that respite will surely do the Dutchman good.
CB: William Saliba – This is a big game for Arsenal and there’s no reason to rest Saliba. The Gunners struggled against Palace in the last eight before the Frenchman entered the fray in the second half.
CB: Gabriel – Jakub Kiwior is waiting in the wings, but Arteta could prioritise this fixture over Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Manchester United. Gabriel will continue alongside Saliba in midweek.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly – Riccardo Calafiori impressed at the weekend, but Lewis-Skelly is deserving of a return to the XI. Given that the Italian played the full 90 on Saturday, Arteta could rotate him out.
CM: Thomas Partey – Partey was excellent at the base of midfield on New Year’s Day against Brentford, but Timber’s suspension forced him into the backline at Brighton. With the Dutchman back, Partey’s poised to return to his natural habitat.
CM: Declan Rice – This is a game for Rice and Partey. Newcastle’s midfield is purring right now, with their rugged physicality capable of overwhelming the majority of engine rooms they face. Rice will aid Arsenal’s ability to fight fire with fire.
CM: Martin Odegaard – Physicality is required in the middle of the park against this Newcastle team, but Arsenal also require an artist to break down an improving Magpies backline. Odegaard was hindered by illness at the weekend.
RW: Gabriel Martinelli – Ethan Nwaneri joins Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling on the sidelines, so we should see Arteta revert to Martinelli down the right.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – Kai Havertz has missed Arsenal’s previous two games due to illness, and while he could be back on Tuesday, the German will likely be eased back in. Jesus was the hero last time out in this competition and he’s set to earn another start.
LW: Leandro Trossard – Martinelli couldn’t get any change out of Tino Livramento the last time these two sides faced off, and it looks like the experienced Trossard will get the chance to outwit the impressive young full-back in Tuesday’s first leg.
