Eddie Howe has several big selection decisions to make for Newcastle United's huge Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal tonight. The Magpies head back to North London brimming with confidence following a seven-match winning streak, but fully aware that the Gunners will provide a stern test of their recent excellent form.

United will be without both Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar through suspension, with Sven Botman's fitness also a potential issue after the Dutch defender made his first start for nine months in the 2-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday.

Howe has midfield options open to him, with Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley all competing for a starting place, while Anthony Gordon will hopefully shake off the effects of that strong challenge from Dejan Kulusevski, which left him with a facial injury. We asked our team of NUFC writers to pick their starting XI for tonight's showdown - here's who they have selected.

READ MORE: Who have I upset?' - Jamie Carragher makes bold Newcastle claim in Arsenal Carabao Cup prediction

READ MORE: My Newcastle United career ended after zero appearances in four years but I met my expectations

Lee Ryder

Eddie Howe's side are in sizzling form going into the Carabao Cup semi-finals after winning six in a row in all competitions. But some of this team are in dire need of a rest after a demanding festive period, and surely something has to give at the Emirates Stadium.

Bruno Guimaraes' absence is a big blow but could also be a blessing in disguise. For me, I'd turn to Lewis Miley to bring freshness to the team in the engine room with the Stanley lad a perfect replacement for the Brazil international.

I'd also take a look at the full-back situation and tweak things with the experience of Kieran Trippier also ideal to compensate for Bruno's lack of leadership on the field. If ever Newcastle needed to take the sting out of a game and keep things tight for the second leg, it's on Tuesday.

Trippier is the expert at that and whether he is handed the armband or not, I think it would be a real waste not to tap into his experience at this stage of a major competition, given his CV reads major international semi-finals and finals Other than that, I think Howe has to go again here and bearing in mind he can rest a few more against Bromley in the FA Cup, he may have to ask the bulk of his side to go to dig deep again.

My predicted NUFC XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Botman, Burn, Hall, Joelinton, L Miley, Tonali, Gordon, Murphy, Isak.

Ciaran Kelly

Sven Botman came off with cramp at Spurs, but the Dutchman will be desperate to play and he keeps his place in my side with Fabian Schar banned. The other big call, of course, is who comes in for the suspended Bruno Guimaraes. It is worth noting that Sean Longstaff impressed when these sides met in the league a couple of months ago. The Geordie offers natural balance as a right footer and his battling qualities will certainly be needed in the middle of the park on Tuesday night.

Otherwise, given the importance of getting a result, and the settled look of the team at the moment, I would ask the same players to go to the well again, particularly with Newcastle having the opportunity to make wholesale changes against Bromley on Saturday.

My predicted NUFC XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Longstaff, Joelinton, Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Aaron Stokes

There may be a clamour to bring Kieran Trippier or Harvey Barnes in against Arsenal but I'd stick with Tino Livramento at the back following his stellar showing at Spurs, while it would be a surprise to see Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak or Anthony Gordon leave the starting XI.

The only two points of contention surround who comes in for the suspended duo of Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar. For me, Sean Longstaff is a like-for-like replacement on the right of the midfield three and his introduction means no change in shape or system for Eddie Howe, while Sven Botman should keep his spot alongside Dan Burn.

There will be understandable doubts over his fitness given such a lengthy lay-off and more playing time than anticipated in the win over Tottenham. But Howe insists if he is in the squad, it is because he is ready and capable of featuring. I trust the boss, and the medical staff around him, to make the right decision on the Dutchman, who looked superb over the weekend.

My predicted NUFC XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Longstaff, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Ross Gregory

There's only one real selection headache for me - whether to risk super Sven Botman. After a rusty start against Spurs on his comeback at the weekend - Dominic Solanke doesn't score that goal if it wasn't just four minutes into his return - the Dutch defender was a colossus at the back alongside arguably United's player of the season so far, Dan Burn. But, but but...

My worry is the workload on Botman after having so long out with a serious knee injury. To play another 90 minutes just a few days after his first proper start scares the bejeebies out of me. If the medical staff think he can go again, then it would be a huge bonus especially with his aerial presence against the set-piece kings of English football, but if the load needs managing then Lloyd Kelly it is.

Ahead of them, I'd love to see Lewis Miley get a start but I think away from home, it's tailor-made for Sean Longstaff to slip comfortably into the right-sided hole left by Bruno Guimareas' suspension. As for the rest, keep it as it is but Eddie Howe needs to be proactive with his substitutions as some players looked a little leggy in the second half against Spurs. Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Kieran Tripper could have big roles to play from the bench.

My predicted NUFC XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Kelly, Burn, Hall, Longstaff, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Gordon, Isak

Stuart Jamieson

With the greatest respect to Bromley, Eddie Howe can forget about tiredness issues for Arsenal, knowing that he can give his key men a week's rest ahead of the next Premier League game against Wolves. Sven Botman looked comfortable on his return at Spurs and I would stick with him tonight with Fabian Schar still suspended.

The big decision comes in central midfield with Bruno Guimaraes also banned. Sean Longstaff feels the easy choice, but I would give Lewis Miley a start. It's easy to forget how big an impact he had last season and now is the right time to give him a chance this term after a long-term injury.

My predicted NUFC XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall, Miley, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Gordon, Isak.

Andrew Musgrove

Newcastle United will remain unchanged but for Sean Longstaff coming in for the suspended Bruno Guimaraes. Personally, I would like to see Lewis Miley come in as I think he can offer more of a replacement in terms of passing ability than Longstaff can but I don't think Howe will do that.

The rest of the team picks itself - any talk of fatigue will be quashed because these are the games you want to play in. These are games that can lead you to become legends and that will provide the extra fuel for any feeling tired after a tough festive schedule.

The form United are in, you don't change a winning side unless forced to - but it appears everyone came through the Spurs game without much trouble - so start the same team as much as you can and keep on that with of momentum.

My predicted XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall, Murphy, Gordon, Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton, Isak

Pick your NUFC XI

What's your starting XI for tonight? Pick your Newcastle United here side and see how it compares with the most popular line-up.