Calafiori dropped, four big changes | Expected Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Newcastle | OneFootball

Arsenal welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tonight.

The Gunners played out a frustrating 1-1 Premier League draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

They deserved to take the lead but were unfortunate to concede. The penalty was controversial.

Mikel Arteta will want a strong performance against the Magpies, but it won’t be an easy challenge.

The Tyneside outfit are on a six-match winning league streak. Arsenal need to play at their best to secure a solid lead before the return leg.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya is guaranteed to start between the sticks for the Gunners. Neto is cup-tied for the competition, and manager Mikel Arteta is unlikely to consider Tommy Setford for such a huge encounter.

Jurrien Timber should be reinstated at right-back after his one-game suspension. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are assured to continue in the heart of the Gunners’ defence.

Riccardo Calafiori was not at his best against the Seagulls and could be given a breather due to his recent injury record. Myles Lewis-Skelly will replace him in the left-back role tonight.

Mikel Merino and Jorginho are expected to drop from the starting XI. The duo was slow in tracking back against the Seagulls, and Arsenal couldn’t afford to do the same against an in-form Newcastle side.

Declan Rice could be accompanied in midfield by Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey. Partey played as a right-back last weekend and should be reinstated in his preferred number-six position.

Odegaard was only a late substitute against Brighton due to a minor illness. The Norwegian will likely reclaim his position in an advanced central midfield role against the Magpies.

Gabriel Martinelli is poised to start on the right wing, with Ethan Nwaneri injured. The Gunners graduate has been ruled out for a few weeks with a muscular injury.

Gabriel Jesus is guaranteed to lead the line. The Brazilian has been in good form, bagging six goals in five games. Kai Havertz could feature off the bench if he has recovered from illness.

Leandro Trossard was far from his best against his former club last weekend. Despite this, the Belgian could get the nod on the left wing due to the lack of attacking depth due to injuries.

How Arsenal could line up vs Newcastle