'It was what we wanted' - Eddie Howe responds to Newcastle's semi-final Arsenal draw

EDDIE HOWE expects Arsenal to provide a formidable test in the Carabao Cup semi-finals – but the Newcastle United boss is delighted his side will be playing the decisive second leg of the tie at St James’ Park.

The Magpies were paired with Arsenal in last night’s semi-final draw, with the first leg due to take place at the Emirates in the week beginning January 6 before the second leg is staged on Tyneside in the week of February 3.

Newcastle’s record at the Emirates is dreadful, with the Magpies having failed to win on any of their last 13 visits to Arsenal’s home stadium. Things have been markedly different at St James’, though, with Newcastle triumphing in three of their last four home meetings with the Gunners, a sequence that includes a 1-0 victory at the start of last month.

When Newcastle reached the Carabao Cup final two years ago, they won the second leg of their semi-final against Southampton at a raucous St James’ Park, and Howe thinks there is a degree of advantage in playing the second leg of such an important tie on home soil.

“I think you probably would (want the second leg at home),” said the Magpies boss. “I don’t think there’s a whole lot in it, but I think that probably would have been our preference.

“I think any game against Arsenal is difficult, home or away. We were guaranteed a tough game whoever we got. I think whenever you get to this stage of the competition, you know the quality of the teams is very high. We play Arsenal, and we’ve had some good games against them in the last couple of years. We’ll look forward to that.”

Joelinton finished Wednesday’s quarter-final battered and bruised after suffering facial injuries that required a trip to hospital.

The Brazilian would have missed tomorrow’s game at Ipswich anyway because of suspension, but Howe expects him to be available for the Boxing Day home game with Aston Villa.

“Joey’s okay,” he said. “He was a little bit battered and bruised yesterday, he had a few stitches in his ear, or around the area next to the ear, which was quite delicate.

“He also had a cut mouth, so probably him not being available this weekend is a good thing for him because it allows him to rest those bruises and wounds and then hopefully he’ll be fully fit for the week after.”