[Newcastle United's](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-united-fc) dates for the two-legged Carabao Cup semi-finals have been set.
The Magpies will face off against the Gunners in January with a four week gap between the first and second leg as excitement starts to build on Tyneside. Newcastle knocked Brentford out in the quarter-finals to set up their battle against Mikel Arteta's side for the right to get to Wembley.
In a statement, Newcastle said today: "United comfortably beat Brentford 3-1 on Wednesday to book their place in the last four, where they have been drawn against the Gunners.
"The Magpies will travel to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg, which it has now been announced will take place on Tuesday, 7th January, with kick-off set for 8pm GMT.
"And the return leg at St. James' Park is now scheduled for Wednesday, 5th February, with kick-off in that game set for 8pm GMT."
Speaking about the draw, head coach [Eddie Howe](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/eddie-howe) said: "I think you probably would (want the second leg at home)
"I don’t think there’s a whole lot in it, but I think that probably would have been our preference.
"I think any game against Arsenal is difficult, home or away. We were guaranteed a tough game whoever we got. I think whenever you get to this stage of the competition, you know the quality of the teams is very high. We play Arsenal, and we’ve had some good games against them in the last couple of years. We’ll look forward to that."
Having reached their second last four shoot out in the Carabao Cup in the last three seasons, Newcastle will be looking to one better than their 2023 efforts when they lost 2-0 to Manchester United in the final.