Arsenal take on Newcastle United later today as the Gunners look to get off to a good start in their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.

Arsenal were controversially denied three points in their last outing as they were held to a 1-1 draw away to Brighton, but luckily for the Gunners, league leaders Liverpool also drew, meaning the gap between the two remains six points. Attention turns away from the league later today though, with Mikel Arteta's side taking on Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash.

Newcastle have proven tough opposition for Arsenal in recent years, with the Gunners winning just two of their last six meetings with the Magpies, most recently losing 1-0 at St. James' Park in the Premier League. Ethan Nwaneri will be absent after picking up a muscle injury in the 1-1 draw with Brighton, while Kai Havertz is doubtful once again.

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So, can Arsenal start their Carabao Cup semi-final clash on the front foot? Let's take a look.

Arsenal vs Newcastle score predicted

To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.

We predict that Arsenal could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.

We predict that Newcastle could set up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Dubravka; Livramento, Burn, Kelly, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Arsenal were dominant in the opening stages at the Emirates, and they came close to going ahead after just four minutes when Leandro Trossard's floated cross towards the back post was headed goalbound by Gabriel Jesus, but the striker's effort was a little too powerful as it dipped onto the top of the crossbar. Just before the half-time break, Newcastle almost scored against the run of play when one long ball forward unlocked the Arsenal defence, but David Raya made a vital save one-on-one to deny the in-form Alexander Isak.

Like the first half, Arsenal controlled possession as they looked to find an opener, with both Gabriel and William Saliba going close from corners. Despite struggling to score, Arteta's side never dropped their heads, and in the 76th minute, the deadlock was broken.

A fantastic switch of play from Myles Lewis-Skelly picked out Gabriel Martinelli on the right, with the Brazilian taking the ball in his stride before surging towards goal. The winger cut inside before dropping a shoulder to cut back onto his right foot, and after beating his man, he fired home from close range to make it 1-0.

Arsenal almost dropped the ball in added time when Anthony Gordon got the wrong side of Jurrien Timber to break through on goal, but his driven cross into the box could only be directed wide of the goal by Harvey Barnes as the Gunners put one foot in the final.

EA FC 25 predicted final score: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!