EFL make official decision ahead of Arsenal v Newcastle United in Carabao Cup

Arsenal can take a big step towards Wembley when they welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. The Premier League rivals will go head-to-head for a place in the Carabao Cup final in February.

The semi-finals are a two-legged affair with the reverse fixture between the sides to be played on February 5 at St James’ Park. Arsenal will be keen to make the most of home advantage in the first leg as they look to take a lead to the north east next month. The Gunners have not lost to Newcastle in North London since the 2010-11 season when Andy Carroll’s header was enough to separate the sides.

Since then, Arsenal have won 11 of their last home games against the Magpies in all competitions. They drew 0-0 in the Premier League in January 2023 while they also drew 0-0 in the FA Cup third round in January 2021 inside 90 minutes, as the Gunners went on to clinch victory in extra time as they game ended 2-0 after 120 minutes. They beat Eddie Howe’s side 4-1 last time out in London but have struggled at St James’ Park in recent times, losing three of their last four games in Newcastle.

Match officials named for Arsenal v Newcastle United

Craig Pawson has been appointed as the referee for the clash with Ian Hussin and Wade Smith named as his assistants. Tony Harrington is the fourth official. VAR is set to be used in the competition for the first time this season with John Brooks in the Stockley Park hot seat, where he will be assisted by Lee Betts.

Pawson has taken charge of Arsenal 32 times during his career, with the Gunners winning 18 of those games while drawing four times and losing the other 10. He has been referee 37 times involving Newcastle United, with the Magpies winning 14 of those fixtures while drawing 11 and losing 12. He did take charge of the 2018 League Cup final, which Arsenal lost 3-0 to Manchester City.

Tuesday’s match will be his first in the Carabao Cup this season. He has taken charge of 12 Premier League games, with an average of 23.25 fouls per game and 4.25 yellow cards. His only game with Arsenal this term was the 0-0 draw with Everton. He has officiated Newcastle United three times in games against Southampton, Everton and West Ham.

What the managers have said

Arteta on the fixture: “We’re very excited to play the game in front of our crowd. A semi-final, an opportunity to earn the right to be in a final and that starts tomorrow with two legs. Obviously they’re going to be two long games against a very competitive team, we know that, but very excited and we need a big, big atmosphere in our stadium. We have to win tomorrow. There is still far to go, so we have to try to be better than the opposition and win the game.”

Howe on his team selection: “You ask any player, and I will ask every player how they are physically, they will all say they're fine to play. We have to try and pick the best players, physically, for the game. It is a massive game for us. We are under no illusions how big this game is for us for this season so part of our strength recently is that we have been consistent with team selection so let’s see what we do.”