Jamie Carragher makes bold Carabao Cup semi-final Arsenal vs Newcastle prediction
Jamie Carragher has predicted that Arsenal will LOSE to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Mikel Arteta's side face the Magpies in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
The second leg is set to take place at St James' Park in the first week of February, as the Gunners bid to reach the final at Wembley in March. Arsenal haven't won a major trophy since 2020 when they lifted the FA Cup and last won this competition 31 years ago, beating Sheffield Wednesday in the final.
It does feel as though Arteta's men need to win some silverware sometime soon and the Carabao Cup represents a huge opportunity for them. The Gunners have beaten Bolton, Preston and Crystal Palace to reach the last four, but a two-legged tie against in-form Newcastle stands in the way of the final.
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And ex-Liverpool defender Carragher believes the Gunners will exit the competition in the semi-final and has backed Newcastle to reach the Wembley final. In a debate with Fulham captain Tom Cairney over which team winning the Carabao Cup would be more important for, Carragher told Sky Sports: "I'd say Newcastle.
"Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup would mean more to them as a club and the supporters and the city - more than Tottenham. Tottenham would almost be delighted they’d won it but want more.
"For Newcastle it’d be like Liverpool winning the Champions League. I think the effect that would have on Newcastle in terms of the supporters and the memories, the supporters would enjoy it more than Tottenham would. Who have I upset there?"
Carragher added: "I think Newcastle will be in the final."
Speaking ahead of the first leg at the Emirates, Arteta said in his pre-match press conference: "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."
