Arsenal are not yet out of the Premier League title race, but prioritizing cup competitions could stand Mikel Arteta in good stead during the second half of 2024/25.
The Spaniard's tunnel vision for the league has previously held the Gunners back in cups, but Liverpool's run at the top means Arsenal are likely to have to look elsewhere for silverware in year five of Arteta's project.
They are one of four teams remaining in the Carabao Cup after Gabriel Jesus scored his first hat-trick for the club in the quarter-finals. That win over Crystal Palace has inspired a three-game winning streak, but Arsenal head into Tuesday's first leg with Newcastle outside the bottom of the table. 1-1 draw with Brighton.
The Gunners have been hit hard by illness and injuries over the past month, with Arteta having to constantly change his position. Here's how they might line up against the Magpies.
Goalkeeper: David Raya – Raya made his Carabao Cup debut with Arsenal in the quarter-finals, conceding two goals. With Neto as a back-up in the cup, the Spaniard is a sure bet to start again.
Right-back: Jurian Temper – The timber was hung to equalize at BrightonBut he is eligible to return on Tuesday. Given his workload over the past month, this break will certainly benefit the Dutchman.
Centre-back: William Saliba – This is a great game to play Arsenal There is no reason to rest Saliba. The Gunners struggled against Palace in the quarter-finals before the Frenchman entered the battle in the second half.
Center back: Gabriel – Jacob Keiyur is waiting in the wings, but Arteta could prioritize this game over Sunday's FA Cup clash with Manchester United. Gabriel will continue alongside Saliba in midweek.
LB: Miles Lewis Skelly – Riccardo Calafiore impressed at the weekend, but Lewis Skelly deserves to be back in the starting lineup. Given the Italian played the full 90 on Saturday, Arteta could turn him around.
CM: Thomas Partey – Partey was excellent at the base of midfield on New Year's Day against Brentford, but Timber's suspension forced him to play at the back for Brighton. With the Dutchman back, Partey is preparing to return to his natural habitat.
CM: Declan Rice – This is a game for Rice and Party. Newcastle's midfield is shining at the moment, thanks to their powerful physicality capable of overpowering the majority of the engine rooms they face. Rice will help Arsenal's ability to fight fire with fire.
Midfielder: Martin Odegaard – Physicality is needed in midfield against Newcastle, but Arsenal also needs an artist to break down the Magpies' improving back line. Odegaard fell ill over the weekend.
Right wing: Gabriel Martinelli – Ethan Nwaneri joins Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling on the sidelines, so we should see Arteta rejoin Martinelli on the right flank.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – Kai Havertz has missed Arsenal's previous two matches due to illness, and while he may return on Tuesday, the German could potentially return easily. Jesus was the champion the last time he was out in this competition and is set to make another start.
Left wing: Leandro Trossard – Martinelli was unable to bring any change to Tino Livramento the last time the two sides faced off, and the experienced Trossard looks set to get the chance to get the better of the impressive young full-back in the first leg on Tuesday.