🏆 Southampton (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction

It still feels surreal to say it, but we are now just 90 minutes away from Wembley after last week’s narrow win at Southampton.

The first leg at St Mary’s was a topsy-turvy affair to say the least. VAR controversy, missed chances, Alexander Isak magic, more Nick Pope brilliance and a late red card, but most importantly a one goal lead to take back to Tyneside.

Since Newcastle United went 1-0 down at Tranmere in our second round clash in August, Newcastle United have not conceded a goal in the Carabao Cup.

We all know how rock solid we’ve been in the Premier League, but Eddie Howe’s Mags have also kept clean sheets in the last four League Cup games against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Leicester and Southampton.

Keep another clean sheet here and we’ll book our place in the final, which will more than likely be against Manchester United after they beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in their first leg encounter. Sounds simple based on recent form, but given our 17-year wait for a semi final, this really is a huge occasion and slim advantage we can’t take for granted.

Here’s what Howe told the press on Monday morning, discussing our mindset and preparation heading into the game:

“I’ve drilled this into the players: ‘This game is by no means over. This tie is not over.’ It’s very much in the balance. We’re going to need a top performance and we’re going to need the crowd with us from minute one until the end.

“We’ve trained well and the players are in a good place. The boys have been together this week and the preparation has been good. Currently we’re very pleased.“

Team news

Anthony Gordon is ineligible after featuring for Everton in the earlier rounds, while Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin are giving Howe a decision to make after impressive cameos in the first leg.

Jonjo Shelvey has sealed a move to Nottingham Forest, but Hull City bound Karl Darlow will be in the squad for this one before departing on loan.

Matt Targett remains out, as does Emil Krafth following a serious knee injury picked up in our second round win over Tranmere.

Predicted line ups

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.

Once again, the late dilemma for Howe revolves around Callum Wilson vs Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin. When asked about who he’ll start up front, here’s what he had to say on Monday:

“I’ve certainly got decision to make in a few positions and that is great from my perspective that we have competition building. We’re looking and analysing training as well. I’ve got a big call to make.”

He also added that a previously ill Wilson has just had his first full week of training since before the World Cup. With that in mind, I think he’ll hand our No 9 another start and stick by the side who created plenty of chances in the first leg.

I also think he’ll stick with Joelinton out wide, meaning Saint-Maximin may have to settle for another player on the bench.

Elsewhere, the midfield picks itself – we literally have no other options if Joelinton starts on the left – as does a defence which racked up a 16th clean sheet of the season last week.

Prediction

Considering our defensive record, the atmosphere Southampton will face, our recent run of results at St James’ Park and pace in attack, it’s fair to say we’ve left the Saints with a mammoth task.

We can’t take them for granted – the players must be at it from the off – but complacency has rarely slipped into our game under Eddie Howe; and I can’t see that changing when we’re a win away from Wembley!

Wilson to get back amongst the goals in a memorable night on Tyneside!

Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Southampton