Ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup Semi-Final clash between Arsenal and Newcastle both Joel Corry and Will Atkinson have sat down to give us their verdict...

Joel Corry (Arsenal)

BRIT-nominated DJ and producer Joel Corry is a certified hit machine, topping both the mainstream and underground charts with five UK platinum records under his belt.

A supporter of his local side Arsenal, Joel will be hoping that Mikel Arteta’s side are able to see off Newcastle United over two legs and reach the final for the first time since 2018.

Q&A:

Why do you support your club?

I’m Barnet born and bred, and North London has always been red! I was obsessed with the Gunners from a young age. My whole bedroom was decorated with Arsenal, from the wallpaper to the bed sheets. Some of my best memories as a youngster were watching Arsenal win doubles and dominate English football.

What are your earliest memories following your team?

One memory that stands out was Tony Adams scoring the fourth goal against Everton in a 4-0 victory to secure us the double in 1998. I was at Hollywood Bowl with family, instead of bowling I was glued to the TV screen. I went absolutely nuts when Adams scored lol!

All-time favourite player?

Ian Wright is my all-time favourite player. Number eight became my lucky number because it was his shirt number. I met Ian Wright at the Brit Awards in 2022. He recognized me and told me that his kids were fans of my music, it was a full-circle moment for me.

Give us your ‘one to watch’ player from your current squad

Bukayo Saka had another man-of-the-match performance against West Ham. He seems in a great place right now and is getting better and better. I’m excited to watch him smash the rest of the season.

Carabao Cup Semi-Final prediction?

Arsenal to win 4-2 on aggregate (first leg: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle, second leg: Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal).

Who is winning the Carabao Cup this season? 

Easy answer…Arsenal! I think we have a great chance to go all the way and hopefully, it will be the first of many more trophies to come.

Listen to ‘Be Alright’ by Joel Corry on the Official EFL Matchday Playlist.

Will Atkinson (Newcastle United)

Glasgow-based DJ and producer Will Atkinson pushes the boundaries of hard trance, tech trance, melodic trance, hard dance, techno and everything in between.

December saw the Scotsman release his latest single ‘2 Times’, a smash hit at his live shows and on social media. The track is a fresh and fun reworking of Ann Lee's playful club euro banger, which took the international dance scene by storm on its release in 1998.

Will is also a fan of Newcastle United and has everything crossed that Eddie Howe’s side can reach a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons as they aim to defeat Arsenal in the last four.

Q&A:

Why do you support Newcastle?

My mum and dad are both from Newcastle. A lot of my family originates from there actually. I've still a few aunties and uncles that stay in that area. Dad is black and white through and through - naturally I followed.

What are your earliest memories following Newcastle?

My first memories are of trying my dad’s glass of Newcastle Brown Ale. I must have been 5 or 6 with Newcastle on the TV. My dad would always drink that with a game on. He still does!

Also, the infamous 4-3 heartbreak of 1996 still haunts me. I've got that on VHS - no idea why, I'll never forgive them - subsequently my most hated team is Liverpool. Hate isn't a strong enough word. 

All-time favourite Newcastle player?

Alan Shearer is the obvious armchair favourite so I'm going to mix it up. Laurent Robert was special. Always had a soft spot for our French flair love affair. 

Give us your ‘one to watch’ player from Newcastle's current squad

Trevan Sanusi looks exciting. Could he be our next left-sided magician? He's a bag of tricks and can pick out a pass. Would love to see him get a few minutes this season.   

Carabao Cup Semi-Final prediction?

Draw at Emirates then bring it home at St James' Park.

Who is winning the Carabao Cup this season? 

We are beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final! Isak on the double.

Listen to ‘2 Times’ by Will Atkinson on the Official EFL Matchday Playlist.