Arsenalvs.Newcastle

The Magpies conquered Brentford 3-1 in the quarter-finals last month, but that success came at a cost, as both Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes were booked for the second time in this season's tournament.

The duo will therefore serve one-game bans in the first leg, where Howe is also set to be missing the injured quartet of Emil Krafth (shoulder), Nick Pope (knee), Callum Wilson (thigh) and Jamaal Lascelles (knee).

Schar was coincidentally also suspended for Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur, allowing Sven Botman to make his first senior appearance for the Magpies in almost 10 months following his ACL injury.

The Dutchman almost made it to full time but succumbed to cramp late on, and given his lengthy absence from the first team, it would be a surprise to see Howe risk him from the first whistle twice in four days.

As a result, Lloyd Kelly could join Dan Burn at the heart of defence in midweek, while Kieran Trippier might also demote Tino Livramento down to the bench as Howe manages a tight turnaround.

Arsenal academy product Joe Willock is a contender to replace Guimaraes in the middle, but Howe might side with Sean Longstaff to link arms with Sandro Tonali and Joelinton on this occasion.

However, the attacking triumvirate should remain unchanged, as Alexander Isak - apparently a long-term target of Arsenal's - is flanked by Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon once more.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Dubravka; Trippier, Kelly, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Written by

Ben Knapton