I’m sure I won’t be the only Newcastle United fan feeling a huge mix of nerves and excitement ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup decider at home to Arsenal.

We’re 2-0 up and in control of the semi-final tie, but back-to-back home defeats coupled with Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Man City on Sunday has added to the anxiety heading into tonight’s second leg.

Ahead of the 8pm kick-off, here’s the side we’re backing Eddie Howe to go with and why:

Predicted line-ups

Newcastle (4-3-3): Dubravka – Trippier, Botman, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Starting with Joelinton, Howe told the media on Monday morning that the Brazilian was a “doubt” but would be given “every chance” of making the game.

He’s set for a late fitness test that could see one of Longstaff, Willock or Miley start should he fail it. However, if anyone can recover in time it’s big Joe, who could be key given his ability to win duels, lift the crowd and compete with a physical Arsenal midfield.

At the back, I’ve gone for two changes. One I’m confident on, the other less so.

I think we’ll see Sven Botman return. Our defence has looked a little iffy since Fabian Schar’s return from illness and suspension, so I can see Howe reverting to the centre-back pairing that were superb in our 2-0 win at the Emirates last month.

At right-back, I have a feeling Howe may opt for Kieran Trippier’s experience and know-how on such a huge occasion, especially as Tino Livramento has struggled in recent home defeats to Bournemouth and Fulham.

Nick Pope could be one to watch now he’s fit again, but I still think Howe will back Martin Dubravka, who hasn’t given the manager a reason to drop him just yet.

Howe’s injury update

Aside from Joelinton (knee), there’s hope Callum Wilson may return to the bench tonight, but we’ll be without Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles once again.

Here’s what Howe had to say on the injury front in yesterday’s pre-match press conference:

Howe on Joelinton: “Joey had a knee brace on as a precaution. I would say he is a doubt, but we will give him every chance to be fit. Our centre midfield, we have good strength in depth – Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock – they all bring something different.”

Howe on Wilson: “There is a chance, we have another training session to get through so we will see. Let’s get through training before we make a decision.”

Howay the lads!