Fueled by our Champions League exit, Saturday’s vital win over Fulham and last season’s defeat at Wembley, we head to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night bidding to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
It’s a massive game that’s been made even bigger after we were dumped out of Europe last week. Thankfully, we bounced back brilliantly with a 3-0 victory over Fulham, helping us regain some momentum ahead of our trip to London.
Win and we’ll face Everton or Fulham, Port Vale or Middlesbrough or the winners of Liverpool vs West Ham. The draw is open, Chelsea are beatable – as we proved in a 4-1 win last month – and we are desperate for a trophy, but our away performances must improve if we want to make it into the last four on Eddie Howe’s 100th game as Newcastle manager.
Speaking at Monday’s press conference, the boss had this to say ahead of the game:
Team news
Fabian Schar (glute) and Joelinton (hamstring) are set for scans after both pulled up over the weekend, so they are almost certain to miss out, but Lewis Hall is eligible to face his parent club due to Carabao Cup rules and Chelsea granting permission.
Alexander Isak “has a chance” of returning after he was rested on Saturday following an ongoing groin issue, Kieran Trippier could return and Sven Botman is in contention to start for the first time in three months.
Elsewhere, Harvey Barnes is out for ‘4-5 weeks’ and Elliot Anderson remains out alongside Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Sandro Tonali and Javier Manquillo.
For Chelsea, the likes of Sanchez (GK), Cucurella, James, Fofana, Lavia and Chilwell remain out, but summer signing Christopher Nkunku could feature for the first time.
Predicted XI
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Trippier, Lascelles, Burn, Livramento – Miley, Bruno, Longstaff – Almiron, Wilson, Gordon.
With Burn fit again, I don’t think Botman will be rushed back into the side, even if Howe is tempted to add some ball-playing quality in Schar’s absence. I expect Trippier to return at right-back after his rest, yet Krafth can’t be ruled out if our vice captain still isn’t right, as the Swede was outstanding at both ends against Fulham.
In midfield, Joelinton’s likely absence will almost certainly open the door to Miley, who deserves another start after his sensational cameo on Saturday. Hall is an option who can play anywhere down the left and impressed in our 3-0 win at Man Utd in the last round, but his lack of minutes suggest a start is unlikely.
In attack, Wilson has started two games in the last six days and is rarely able to play three in seven. However, playing Isak would be perhaps even more risky if he’s not ready.
Prediction
Chelsea are very beatable. Plenty of quality individuals, but they’re disjointed, have plenty of injuries themselves and lack heart. They’re better at home and have a good manager in Pochettino, but I think we’ll edge this one.
A score-draw in normal time followed by Dubravka heroics to win us the shootout. HWTL!
I really don’t want to see a penalty shoot out Olly! Not sure my heart would hold out. A win in 90 please for me.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Oh preserve us from a penalty decider.
I hope nufc go for it as this is the situation that will give them a taste of what they want to become
I’m sure the team will be competitive, but big players missing, dodgy away form this season and the requirement to maintain league position means a win will be an outstanding return in my opinion
HTL
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
We’ve already seen off City & Man Utd, we should have no fear tonight.
It’s going to be down to team selection tonight I think.
Luton on paper should be an easier fixture (no disrespect to them) but they’ve shown to be a tough opponent already & they will be more spirited playing for Lockyer.
Having gone out of the CL & there are only 2 games to another Carabao Cup final – I think tonight should be the priority … BUT we know there is no money in the Cup & the way the PL is looking this season, EVERY point will count & we can’t take Luton for granted.
I knew that’s a very nervy post but every injury we get just now strikes fear into how our season is going – losing Schar & big Joe against Fulham just shows how fragile we are.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I have noticed Lascelles looks like he’s been playing through a tight hamstring the last few games.
I’d rest him tonight if we can – I’d go Burn LB, Botman & Krafth CB and Tino RB to extend Trippiers rest period – Lascelles & Trips can be on the bench if needed.
I agree with the 3 midfielders & forwards – big Joe needs a rest as does Iask. Again, bench if needed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I might even go with Dummett tonight. He did well against both manc clubs. I probably wouldn’t start Botman, perhaps bring him on the last 30 mins
Gilly Toon(Quote)
HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
We have no attacking subs. Only 8 on the bench. I don’t understand why Eddie doesn’t put a few youngsters on the bench. Only Ritchie if we get any injuries to our attack. 😳😬
Not confident about this one. Not won at Stamford bridge in 12 years.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Well it was a great goal but we’ve been really under the cosh since we scored. Chelsea very dominant. We will need at least a second goal. Very nervy now.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
And chelsea should be down to 10 for that horrible foul on Gordon. Definite red.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly agree
kimtoon(Quote)
No words …. 1 min. That’s all we needed.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
A lottery now.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
What’s happened to Tripps man
Hate pen shoot outs
kimtoon(Quote)
**** it
kimtoon(Quote)
Gutted. Another very bad day for Trippier. Our luck has run out. 😡😡😡. On another day, Chelsea would’ve been down to ten men early on. Should’ve been. We had nobody to replace Gordon.
Gilly Toon(Quote)