The draw has been made for the 2025 Carabao Cup semi-finals and Newcastle United will have to get past Arsenal if they are to make it to Wembley for the second time in three seasons.
This follows last night’s 3-1 victory over Brentford last night, where a brace from Sandro Tonali and second half tap-in from Fabian Schar sent us into the last four.
Awaiting the winners of Newcastle’s semi-final clash with Arsenal are Liverpool or Spurs, with the latter making last final four after beating Man Utd 4-3 tonight.
The first leg will take place at The Emirates on the week commencing **January 6th**; a few days after our trip to Spurs on Saturday 4th.
The second and decisive leg at St James’ Park is due to take place the week commencing **3rd February**; a few days after our home clash with Fulham on Saturday February 1st.
Two tough games await, but we know what we’re of when we turn up against ‘big six’ sides – especially at St James’ Park – with us unbeaten at home this season against Arsenal (1-0), Liverpool (3-3), Man City (1-1), Chelsea (2-0) and Spurs (2-1) so far.
Despite a convincing win over Brentford in Wednesday’s quarter-final, Eddie Howe’s side remain the marginal outsiders to win the entire cup compared to the three other teams left in the competition.
Liverpool, currently on a 20 game unbeaten streak in all competitions under Arne Slot, remain the team to beat, though the reigning champions did look shaky in the quarter-final triumph over Southampton.
The only certainty for the semi-finals will be the partial absence of both Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes, with the pair both missing out on the first leg after they were booked in Wednesday’s quarter-final.
With the very slight possibility of Sven Botman being available for Eddie Howe, and the presence of Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley within the squad, both players’ absences can hopefully be covered by other members of the squad.
Howay the lads!