[ad_1]
History to be made
VAR has not been in use for any Carabao Cup matches this season.
However, it will feature in this week’s semi-finals – and for the first time in the English domestic game, in-stadium VAR announcements will be trialled.
This means the crowd inside the stadium and fans watching at home on the TV will be able to hear referees announce final decisions after they have been advised to go to the pitchside monitor.
That said, it will not be the case for decisions made not using the monitor.
A referee announcing decisions to the crowd in the stadium isn’t totally new to the world of football, as it was trialled at the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
But it hasn’t been in operation during an English football match until this week.
A statement from the PGMOL, the referees’ body, said: “Referees will announce the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor or upon the conclusion of factual matters, such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside offences where the attacker touches the ball.”
The referee that will take charge of this historic night is Craig Pawson – SunSport has the lowdown on the referee.
Newcastle team news
Eddie Howe will have a selection headache for tonight’s match due to the suspensions to captain Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar.
Anthony Gordon received a nasty cut to his nose on Saturday, and there is doubt over how much he will feature at the Emirates.
Sven Botman will be monitored after returning to fitness for last weekend’s 2-1 win over Tottenham.
Callum Wilson and Nick Pope remain out.
Arsenal team news
Ethan Nwaneri will spend a short spell on the sidelines after he was forced off with a muscular injury during the first half of the weekend’s clash with Brighton.
Forward Kai Havertz remains a doubt for the first leg after the German missed the first two games of 2025 due to illness.
Mikel Arteta confirmed that Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling is close to returning, but tonight’s match will likely come too soon.
Good evening and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of Arsenal vs Newcastle!
It’s the first half of a huge Carabao Cup semi-final between two of English football’s biggest clubs.
Arsenal will be aiming to take a lead to what promises to be a raucous St James’ Park for next month’s second leg.
But in-form Newcastle will provide a tough test for Mike Arteta’s men this evening after the Toon recorded six straight wins in all competitions.
Eddie Howe will be well aware of the magnitude of opportunity the Carabao Cup presents the Magpies to end a near 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
While Artetea will see the competition as an opportunity to add to his slim trophy cabinet from his Arsenal tenure.
The Gunners have been one of the best teams in Europe under the Spaniard, but they have won just the sole FA Cup since he arrived in North London.
[ad_2]
Source link
