Newcastle United 'big blow' as starting XI confirmed vs Arsenal in Carabao Cup semi-final first leg
Joe Willock starts for Newcastle United against Arsenal in the only change from Saturday’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies face Arsenal at the Emirates in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. Eddie Howe’s side are on a six-game winning streak but don’t have Bruno Guimaraes available tonight through suspension.
Sandro Tonali and Joelinton continue in the midfield and it is Willock who Howe has chosen to replace the Brazilian, ahead of both Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff. The pair are among the substitute.
“Yeah, it’s big blow,” Howe said on Bruno’s absence. “One of Bruno’s biggest strengths is that he’s always there for you, his appearance record has been brilliant for us. Especially when you consider the physical exertion he commits to each game.
“He’s been exceptional in every way so to lose him, a pivotal figure for us, is a big miss but we have big players that can fill his shoes as well so whoever I choose in that position I think that we have quality coming in.”
Where exactly Willock lines up in midfield won’t be known until kick-off. The former Arsenal man usually plays on the left of the three, which could see Joelinton moved over to the right. Tonali is likely to continue in the ‘number six’ role.
“Trying to find someone to play like Bruno is not easy,” Howe continued. “No two players are alike and you have to look at who you bring in and try to make him play to the best of his own ability, his style really.
“I have no doubt there will be a slight change for us to be without Bruno but (whoever comes in) he can do what he does. But that does not mean it cannot be effective for the team whatever change we do make.
“We will have to try to look at that and find the right balance because the balance has been so good in the last few games. That is why we have executed what we have. To get the balance right with a new player coming in is something we will have to look at closely.”
Meanwhile, after 10 months out with an ACL injury, Sven Botman starts at centre-back for the second time in three days. Martin Dubravka continues in goal, despite suggestions this could be his farewell appearance with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab edging closer.
NEWCASTLE UNITED XI: Martin Dubravka; Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon. SUBS: Odysseas Vlachodimos, Kieran Trippier, Lloyd Kelly, Matt Targett, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron, Will Osula.