Eddie Howe faces perhaps his toughest test of the season so far tomorrow night, as we look to overturn a 2-0 deficit away to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
It’s a truly mammoth task, as the team will need to do something remarkable if we want to make our third Carabao Cup final in four years: repeat the heroics of the 2014/15 League Cup and net two goals away at the Etihad.
But the gaffer remains confident that the team can put in a strong performance on Wednesday night. Here’s what he had to say ahead of the game.
On Bruno, Botman and Miley’s fitness
The trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Lewis Miley have been nothing short of stellar in recent weeks, so it was a shame to see all three miss out on the Liverpool game due to respective injuries.
And unfortunately, Howe provided a frustrating update on their recovery, with two out and one back tomorrow.
“Bruno is doing well but I don’t think he’ll make this game. There is a chance for the weekend.
“Sven is OK. Lewis I’m not sure will make this game either.”
Questions will be asked about how Bruno was on the bench for the PSG clash in the Champions League a week ago, then unavailable for the two games following it, but the captain’s return against Brentford will be very much welcome.
Elsewhere, Joelinton remains out alongside Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth.
On the task ahead at the Etihad
It’s been a decade since we last won away at the Etihad, and considering how the first leg panned out, we head into Wednesday’s game as the ultimate underdogs.
But it’s in those moments where we’ve often looked our best, such as in the first half against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday night and entire game against PSG, something Howe hopes the players tap into once again.
“Part of the Liverpool performance, for the first 30/35 minutes was very strong.
”Against Paris we had a strong performance all the way through, barring the first 20 minutes. Put those two together and we’ve got an outstanding chance.
“Firstly we have to try and win the game. If we have that mentality that we’re going to try and get all the disciplines of our game in a good place and attack the game, let’s see what we can do.”
On importance of Joe Willock
Against one of the best midfields in world football, Howe will very dependent on the trio of Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey to repeat their heroics in Paris if were to have any chance of progressing to the final.
Thankfully, Willock in particular has dropped some of his best performances of the campaign in the last few games, justifying our decision to keep him on Tyneside (for now) following injuries to Bruno, Joelinton and Miley.
“I’m very pleased Joe is here and playing as he is.
“The last two games I think he’s been really good. It’s a return to his best form and I think he’s a very, very good player.
“I never thought about losing Joe [in the transfer window]. He’s too important. Every player we possess that’s fit is really valued by us.”
