There may have been a lot of positives on show from Rafa Benitez side on Tuesday night, however it was not enough to see the side through into the EFL Cup Semi-Finals.
Hull were well drilled and well organised and despite Newcastle dominating for most of the game, they were not able to win the game in 90 minutes, or after extra-time.
The fans however, seem to have taken the defeat well. Understanding that in a Premier League game, Newcastle would have gotten a point away from home. Something that is an improvement on much of last season and something that can give us all heart for next season, if the side are promoted.
However, Benitez and his side may find themselves top of the table but there is still a lot of hard work to be done. Starting today away at Nottingham Forest.
With the game on Tuesday going to extra-time, a few players may be tired, so with this in mind, just how might Newcastle line-up?
GK: Karl Darlow – Matz Sels did not cover himself in glory in the week and it would be a huge surprise if he started again today. Darlow is the obvious choice, his calmness and composure could be just what Newcastle need after a couple of difficult game.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin – Anita is likely to be rested after Tuesday, and it is seemingly between the toss of a coin which is the better of the two.
LB: Paul Dummett – Achraaf Lazaar played well against Hull, but after playing 120 minutes he is unlikely to play again so quickly. Jesus Gamez will be missing through injury, making Dummett, who is good form himself this season, the obvious choice.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles (C) &
CB: Ciaran Clark – Newcastle looked far more solid defensively, with their first-choice centre back pairing restored, on Tuesday night. There seems to be no reason that the two will not play again tonight, especially after Lascelles was rested last weekend.
CM: Jack Colback &
CM: Jonjo Shelvey – It seems that Colback has been missed during the last couple of games. This coupled with the fact that Shelvey and Isaac Hayden have played both games in Colback’s absence, suggests that Colback will return. The reason that Shelvey should remain, is that he has arguably been Newcastle’s most important player this season and, if truth be told, nobody at the club can fill his role in the side.
RW: Matt Ritchie – The Scotland international is not happy with his recent form but after such a great start to the season, he deserves a chance to put things right.
Ten: Mo Diame – Before the game against Hull, Diame, like Ritchie, raised concerns over his own form. However, in that game he impressed and with his opener in extra-time, he could have possibly done enough to retain his place in the starting eleven.
LW: Yoan Gouffran – He may not be as skilful as Christian Atsu, but Gouffran offers balance. He also offers work rate and a goal threat. The Frenchman uses his clever movement well and it seems that Newcastle are not ready to play with two attacking wingers, like Ritchie and Atsu, just yet.
ST: Aleksandar Mitrovic – He didn’t play as badly as some suggested last weekend. In the first half, he challenged well and lacked service. Dwight Gayle also played against Hull and didn’t quite do himself justice. A fresher Mitrovic could provide a goal threat and an outlet, away from home against Forest.
Jake. A good analysis of who o who may not start for Newcastle at Forest. However I would disagree with you on Mitrovitch’s performance against Blackburn. Not only was he poor, he didn’t seem to be bothered. You can’t do that with Rafa. I expect Murphy to take his place on the bench.
Eric. What do you feel about Southgate nominating Rooney as captain again? Should he even be playing. Again we have a manager with no balls.
Groucho(Quote)
Thanks! I thought Mitro did okay in the first half, I think he just got tired towards the end that’s all. Perez, Atsu and Ritchie did little to help him all game, none of them got near him or gambled on anything that he won! I know your Rooney question wasn’t to me, but I for one am pleased he is still captain.
Jake Swinburn(Quote)
Jake. Sorry to disagree but I think Rooney is past it at International level. You are right about Atsu and Perez but Mitro was not providing much movement either. Still think Murphy will make the bench.
Groucho(Quote)
Looking at Rafa’s previous selection patterns I expect Mito and Perez up front. Colback isn’t available which might open a surprising door for Tiote to come in and nullify Lansbury. I’d keep Anita at Rb as their LW has done well with assists recently.
georgio(Quote)
I think Rooney has lost so.e of his pace and ability. But… He is still one of the best and most consistent players England has. The sad truth is the English game is devoid of genuine talent all over the pitch. Dropping Rooney is not going to fix that.
Shamrock(Quote)
Pardew must think his job is safe,hes still pushing to sign Dummett in Jan window,i dont think he would go there anyway imo
icedog(Quote)
Pardew’s as full of it as ever. 6 straight defeats and worst record in the whole of the leagues but still believes he’s great. 😆
georgio(Quote)
well we are going to find out how we will go without Shelvey because hes one booking away from a ban and i think he will pick one up tonight,the Forrest players will be all over him like a cheap suit and he will react imo
icedog(Quote)
cant understand why we keep playing Gouffran apart from his couple of great gaols earlier in season he has been off the boil for weeks now, what a difference when Atsu comes on
des wilson(Quote)
Ice according to NUFC.com yellow cards are now wiped out
Groucho(Quote)
thats news to me mate ill take it your right,one or two rags are saying he will be banned if he gets a card so they must be wrong then?
icedog(Quote)
Ice can’t say I’m right or wrong just going by NUFC.COM. Personally I have no idea but NUFC.COM is usually reliable. Also says that threat of one match ban is lifted from Colback and Dummet.
Groucho(Quote)
Mint
icedog(Quote)
this game is going to be tough,they have won their last two away games scoring 5 in their last game so their tales are up while ours is down a bit
icedog(Quote)
Well I certainly got it wrong about Murphy being on the bench.
Groucho(Quote)
mind i did think along the same lines mate
icedog(Quote)
Perez and Gayle no Mitro, Yedlin no Anita
kimtoon(Quote)
Aye mate, I said that last Saturday and our lads will be knackered from Tuesday too. Tough game this, find it hard to see a win but hopeful as always.
kimtoon(Quote)
a draw for me mate
icedog(Quote)
ice, I will take that too
kimtoon(Quote)
just watching lascelles on tv, you wouldn’t mess with him mind would you, he’s a big lad.
kimtoon(Quote)
nee trouble mate just set Batty on him 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
😆
kimtoon(Quote)
HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
Anyone know if it’s on TV or radio?
Shamrock(Quote)
Perez has to start turning up
icedog(Quote)
As always away games are difficult, especially after a defeat but it could be more about how well or not Forest play. But one thing is for sure, we will absolutely need to take our chances unlike Tuesday.
Stuart79(Quote)
first 10 min we have 74% of game
icedog(Quote)
Bit like the Hull game, Ice… 🙄
Stuart79(Quote)
hope not we lost that one mate
icedog(Quote)
Gayle isolated up there and I’m not sure Perez has touched the ball yet?!.
Must consider playing Gayle with Mitrovic or Murphy.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Jenas says Rafa doesnt look happy
icedog(Quote)
WTF is wrong with Jonjo, he was tetchy last game as well.
kimtoon(Quote)
Darlow you beauty
kimtoon(Quote)
That seems a bit over the top to me but then he shouldn’t ever put himself in that situation.
The way the game has gone so far it is now going to be a lot more even.
Stuart79(Quote)
What a fucking idiot man!!!
He’s been mouthing off at people all game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Backs against the wall now lads, we don’t want this season to get derailed .
kimtoon(Quote)
i forcast that early on Shelvey off red card
icedog(Quote)
This ref hates us
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice, Reckon Shelvey been effected by that race row
kimtoon(Quote)
The player wasn’t even touched and it was his over reaction that caught the assistants eye, not the actual action as there were players in front of him.
Refereeing in this league is really pathetically poor. I’ll never complain about PL standard again.
Stuart79(Quote)
Although it does seem to have opened up the game.
Stuart79(Quote)
He’s a big talent Shelvey but he’s a hot head which is why the big clubs don’t touch him.
Diame for Perez for me now like – can’t afford to carry Perez with 10 men and Diame would be more box to box
Sharpy17(Quote)
This ref is fucking shocking… nothing wrong with that goal
Dubai Toon(Quote)
thing is he knackered mate after tues
icedog(Quote)
Getinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Ritchie
kimtoon(Quote)
Get innnnn!
Stuart79(Quote)
Played better since we went down to ten…
Stuart79(Quote)
Happy days. Anyone got any internet links? I’m listening to radio.
Shamrock(Quote)
Try chalking off that ****** ref you t***
kimtoon(Quote)
Bleeding hell!!!
Stuart79(Quote)
oh my fucking Christ
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sham, can’t find any mate
Unbelievable Dummett off now , we’re ******
kimtoon(Quote)
He was on his way down before he even touched him
Stuart79(Quote)
If this ref carries on the game will be abandoned as we’ll have no players!!!
That’s just unbelievable!
Stuart79(Quote)
Was that cheating **** loosing his balance before Dummett even touched him there????
Darlow you little legend son!!!!
Could have done with a penalty saver on Tuesday night!!!! ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
**** me, Darlow !!!!# hero
kimtoon(Quote)
Ref has a bet on this game I reckon the ****, Forest are diving cheating ***** too.
kimtoon(Quote)
Darlow is doing his rep no harm at all here. We now know we have a penalty saver. Now we find a penalty scorer or two…
The referee is a w@n@@r.
Shamrock(Quote)
Right, how the hell do we get through the next 45 with 9, what with having played so long Tuesday too.
kimtoon(Quote)
Well I’ve seen bad refs before but this **** is totally on the payroll of Forest. That guy was going down before Dummet touched him. The ref couldn’t deny our goal but just looking for another way to take us down… I wish fucking refs could be sent off
Darlow amazing .. 2 pens saved. Now we need to park the bus and defend like hell with only 9 men.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Who was saying they didn’t rate Darlow yesterday?? ?
Seriously though this is mental. Odds for us to keep a clean sheet in the 2nd half?
Andy Magpie(Quote)
Sham link
http://www.stream2watch.cc/sport-stream/football/nottingham-vs-newcastle-live-stream
kimtoon(Quote)
In all my years watching the Toon I’ve never seen anything like this! I’m watching this as my little lad’s upstairs asleep trying not to wake him up! Ridiculous refereeing but heroics from Darlow!
SRF(Quote)
Totes agree mate, flood the defence and if possible hit them on the break. If we can leave there with 3 points it would be extra special
kimtoon(Quote)
Firstly, wasn’t Shelveys off the ball? Isn’t that a drop ball and not a Free kick or penalty and hasn’t the law changed on giving away a penalty and getting sent off – the so called treble jeopardy law?
Stuart79(Quote)
Watching SS and Mr Nots Forest himself – Stu Pearce said NEITHER were penalties – says it all really doesn’t it?!
Gonna be a long 2nd half now though isn’t it?!.
————— Darlow ————-
Yedlin – Las – Hayden – Clarke
————– Diame ————
—- Ritchie ———- Gouffran
————- Gayle ————-
Would be my 2nd half line up I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Although regardless of the ref not knowing the laws of the game, Landsbury has cheated the ref twice now so he deserves nothing.
Stuart79(Quote)
The longest of long halves this is going to be… 🙁
Stuart79(Quote)
This referee is a joke. Chalks off a good goal for holding but said it was ok for the forest player to do exactly the same earlier on. 2 penalties for minimal reasons. 2 ridiculous red cards.
We only got the goal because the ref couldn’t find a reason not to give it.
It’ll be hard to keep a clean sheet from here. I imagine most of the game will be played in our penalty area from here. No doubt the ref will give another penalty somewhere along the line.
Brisvegas(Quote)
well said that man, nice to see you on mate
kimtoon(Quote)
Tell you what Darlow don’t deserve that
**** off forest with your ugly goal
kimtoon(Quote)
Interesting substitution, Anita for Perez. Will we push Yedlin further up to capitalize on his speed and hit them on the break?
Charlie Prince(Quote)
There you go ref – you’re half way to your bet coming up.
Stuart79(Quote)
We might as well go for it now
Stuart79(Quote)