Mikel Arteta has decided to make four changes to his squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United, with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz ready to start.

The duo have been struggling with illnesses of late, with Martin on the bench for our last game at Brighton & Hove Albion, while Kai has missed the last two games entirely. But both are available again tonight, meaning Gabriel Jesus and former Magpie Mikel Merino drop to the bench.

Jurrien Timber is available again after his suspension, moving Thomas Partey back into midfield, while on the other side of defense Myles Lewis-Skelly is given another chance to impress, with Riccardo Calafiori among the substitutes.

As for our opponents, they have made a change from the starting XI that beat Tottenham 2-1 in north London on Saturday.

Bruno Guimaraes is suspended, so former Gunner Joe Willock replaces the Magpies captain in central midfield. He has only missed seven games since joining them in January 2022 and Howe’s side have failed to win any of them.

SETUPS

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz.
Subs: Porter, Calafiori, Zinchenko, Tierney, Kiwior, Jorginho, Merino, Sterling, Jesus.

Newcastle: Dubravka, Livramento, Burn, Botman, Hall, Tonali, Willock, Joelinton, Murphy, Gordon, Isak.
Subs: Vlachodimos, Trippier, Targett, Kelly, Longstaff, Miley, Barnes, Almiron, Osula.

Before kick-off, prepare for the next 90 minutes with all the key stats, detailed tactical analysis and a guide to Newcastle’s current form in our game preview