Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist react - Gordon red, Wembley blow and who starts now?

Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist discussed Anthony Gordon’s red card in Newcastle’s FA Cup clash with Brighton on talkSPORT.

Gordon will miss the Carabao Cup final after being dismissed for violent conduct after striking Jan Paul van Hecke in the face late on as the Magpies were denied a spot in the quarter-finals of the esteemed competition by the Seagulls.

Eddie Howe is weighing up an appeal for the decision, but as it stands will he will be without the 24-year-old when Newcastle head to Wembley to face Liverpool - giving the Toon manager a selection headache before the final on March 16.

Stelling and McCoist on Gordon's ban

Ally McCoist has encouraged Newcastle to appeal Anthony Gordon’s red card after his “moment of insanity” will see him suspended for the Carabao Cup final.

The legendary Scottish forward also encouraged the Mags to appeal the decision against the ex-Everton winger - but admitted he has his doubts about whether or not it will be successful. 

“I think they’ve got to appeal it, but I think they’ll lose it,” said McCoist. “You’ve got to try it, you’ve got to give it your best shot. I could not see it at this moment in time, having watched it a good few times, I don’t think there’s any real grounds for appeal. 

“I actually feel for him, he just loses his head in a moment of insanity and that cup final just disappeared before his very eyes with a stupid action.”

His sympathy was echoed by co-presenter Jeff Stelling, who added:  “You wonder what (Gordon) is feeling as he wakes up this morning and realises what he’s done. The flip side of the coin is that his absence is going to give somebody else an opportunity that they didn’t expect to get.”

Left wing isn’t the only dilemma for Howe ahead of the final with fitness concerns within the squad. Sven Botman and Lewis Hall were not included in the squad for the Brighton defeat, while Alexander Isak was forced to withdraw early.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIo5Wjsj3hE

Who comes in for the final?

Working under the likely assumption Gordon’s red card will not be overturned, Harvey Barnes will be the only out-and-out left-winger within the squad - but Howe may look to a previously trusted duo.

Joelinton and Joe Willock have proven to be an effective pair when dovetailing on the left-hand side and this may be the approach of the Newcastle manager. In a way, this would help thwart the threat of Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on Liverpool’s right.

Lewis Hall, who struggled against Salah earlier this season but has been one of Newcastle’s best players when fit in recent weeks, is also a worry for the final. Tino Livramento would be needed on the left, with Kieran Trippier having to fill in on the right.

How Newcastle set up against West Ham on Monday will probably not be far off our line-up when we make the trip to Wembley. We can’t afford to sacrifice our league standing with a makeshift XI, especially with Liverpool favourites for the final regardless.