Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE: Havertz returns to lead line as Sterling makes bench for Gunners, Willock replaces suspended Guimaraes

VAR trial

Tonight will see the first time that referees will relay VAR decisions to the crowd.

If John Brooks is sent to the screen and makes a decision, supporters will be able to hear why he came to that conclusion.

This means that VAR will be more transparent for fans in the ground.

However, it could lead to some anger from the stands if they hear something they don't like.

Either way, it should be intriguing to say the least.

Arsenal vs Newcastle: Pre-match facts

Alexander the Great

Newcastle United have won their last six games in all competitions and have dispatched Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham along the way.

The Swedish striker is on a sublime goalscoring run, scoring nine goals in his last seven games.

The only match he didn't score in was the Toon's 3-1 victory over Brentford in the Carabao Cup.

However, he did bag the winner when these two met at St James' Park earlier in the season.

If he scores again tonight, he will become the first player since Toon cult hero Laurent Robert to bag two times against Arsenal, matching a 22-year record.

Arsenal vs Newcastle: Starting XIs

Right, the two teams for this Carabao Cup semi-final are in!

Mikel Arteta makes four changes from the team that drew 1-1 with Brighton at the weekend.

Kai Havertz returns to lead the line after missing the last two games.

Jurrien Timber is back from suspension.

Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Martinelli also come into the team.

Ethan Nwaneri is injured, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho drop to the bench.

For the Toon, there is one change from the 2-1 win over Tottenham.

Joe Willock replaces the suspended Bruno Guimaraes.

Martin Dubravka also starts what could be his final game for the Toon after seven years on Tyneside, with a move to Al Shadab edging closer to completion.

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz

Subs: Porter, Tierney, Jesus, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Merino, Sterling, Calafiori

Newcastle: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Joelinton, Willock, Murphy, Gordon, Isak

Subs: Vlachodimos, Trippier, Barnes, Targett, Osula, Almiron, Kelly, Longstaff, Miley

Arsenal vs Newcastle: Can't get any worse

To say that Newcastle had a poor League Cup record against Arsenal would be an understatement.

The two sides have faced each other four times in the competition, with the Gunners winning every one.

In fact, the Toon haven't even scored a goal and conceded 12.

So, if they do manage a goal over these two legs, it would be a piece of club history.

The last time these two met in this competition came during the 2010/11 season and Arsenal won 4-0.

Of course, that wasn't the only time that year the Gunners bagged four at St James' Park, it's just in the other game, the Toon also scored four.

Arsenal vs Newcastle: Team news

We will have the starting XIs from the Emirates very shortly, but let's have a look at how both teams are looking heading into this one.

Arsenal's injury woes have been added to with Ethan Nwaneri out for a few weeks.

The youngster has picked up a hamstring injury, while Kai Havertz is doubtful with illness.

But Raheem Sterling is back in the squad, while Bukayo Saka is out a while.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are without Bruno Guimaraes through suspension and Fabian Schar is also banned.

That means Sean Longstaff is likely to come into the midfield, while Sven Botman could continue at the heart of the defence.

The Dutchman played almost 90 minutes at the weekend after nine months out with an ACL injury, but he could be asked to go again.

If he doesn't play, it will be Lloyd Kelly partnering Dan Burn.

Hypersonic Missiles

Newcastle United will wear a special short this evening for their clash against Arsenal.

The Magpies are in their traditional black and white stripes, but on the back, there is a tribute to Sam Fender.

The Geordie musician has become a huge name on the Independent scene and has fully embraced Newcastle as part of his gigs.

He has played St James' Park twice and has three more sold-out shows lined up this summer.

And ahead of his latest album, People Watching, the Magpies are wearing changed shirts.

Arsenal vs Newcastle: talkSPORT coverage

talkSPORT will have live commentary of this match between Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Adrian Durham will be your presenter, with commentary from Jim Proudfoot and Gunners legend Martin Keown.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

The scene is set, and we should have team news very shortly.

Up for the cup

Hello, and welcome to talkSPORT.com's live coverage of Arsenal vs Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

It's the first of two legs as the Gunners take on a resurgent Magpies side looking to make it to two finals in the space of three years.

Both sides are set to be missing some key players, while Mikel Arteta will hope Arsenal can take a healthy advantage to St James' Park at the start of next month.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have a horrendous record at the Emirates, losing 12 of their last 13.

Their last win came in the 2010/11 season when Andy Carroll scored the winner in a 1-0 victory.

Since then, it has been slim pickings for the Magpies at the Emirates.

But none of that matters because this is a cup semi-final between two great teams, and it should be a belter.

So, let's get cracking!