Preview: Newcastle United v Arsenal

It’s do or die in terms of our Carabao Cup hopes on Wednesday night (8pm) as we head to Newcastle United looking to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit to reach our first final in the competition since 2018.

A month ago, goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon once again did the damage as Eddie Howe’s team seized a huge advantage heading into their home tie. And while they have beaten us at St James’ Park in back-to-back seasons, the Magpies have lost their last two games on Tyneside, perhaps with one eye on this game as they spy an opportunity to end a 55-year wait for a major trophy.

Only two teams in the history of the League Cup have overcome a home defeat in the first leg to reach the final, but we were the last when we famously pipped Tottenham Hotspur in 1986/87. Our 5-1 success against Manchester City coupled with winning by three or more goals in three of our last eight away games proves that there is enough firepower in our side to turn this tie on its head.

Simon Hooper has been handed control of this semi-final, and he has been a good omen for us in 2024/25 as we have won all three matches he has been in the middle for - the 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest, a 5-1 success at Crystal Palace and last month’s north London derby triumph.

In fact we have won eight of the 10 games he has officiated, although the last loss was when we last exited the League Cup at the hands of West Ham United last term. Newcastle meanwhile have only won seven of 21 under his watch, although the last saw them win at Old Trafford back in December.

The two legs of this game plus the other semi-final between Liverpool and Tottenham will see a new VAR system trialled, whereby the on-field referee will explain decisions to the crowd via the PA system when he uses the pitchside monitor. This isn't the case for decisions not made using the monitor.

Should the aggregate score be a draw after 90 minutes, an additional 30 minutes of extra-time will be played before a penalty shootout.

• Referee: Simon Hooper
• Assistants: Adrian Holmes and Simon Long
• Fourth official: Thomas Bramall
• VAR: John Brooks
• Assistant VAR: Nick Hopton