The team sheets are in and the pre-match nerves have well and truly followed as Newcastle prepare to face Southampton in tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Here’s the side Eddie Howe has gone with ahead of the 8pm kick-off at St Mary’s:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock – Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.
Substitutes: Darlow, Lascelles, Saint-Maximin, Ritchie, Lewis, Isak, Manquillo, Murphy, Anderson.
So, the boss has gone with an unchanged side, meaning Callum Wilson keeps his place up top and Joelinton remains on the left.
This keeps both Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin on the bench, which may come as a slight surprise to some following our struggles in the final third on Saturday.
However, we trust Howe’s judgement and hope the lads can do us proud ahead of the return leg at St James’ Park a week today.
Southampton XI: Bazunu – Lyanco, Caleta-Car, Salisu, Walker-Peters – Diallo, Alcaraz – Djenepo, Ward-Prowse, Orsic – Mara.
HOWAY THE LADS.
