Tomorrow is the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton at St James’ Park – Kick-off is 8pm live on Sky Sports.
It’s Eddie Howe’s first full season in charge at Newcastle and he’s got us 90 minutes away from a cup final at Wembley. Whatever happens tomorrow, it should never be forgotten just how much has changed in just over a year. We’ve gone from relegation favourites to a cup semi-final whilst sitting in a Champions League spot in the league. That is truly phenomenal.
Fortunately, Newcastle are carrying a one-goal cushion into this game, which, on paper at least, is the easier game of the tie in front of another scarf-twirling Toon Army. Additionally, Southampton played at the weekend while Newcastle had more time to prepare for the game. Although, Howe doesn’t necessarily see that as an advantage, telling the media this morning: “The rhythm you get from playing a game is sometimes better than resting. 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.” (via The Chronicle)
Howe also admitted he has some decisions to make when it comes to the starting lineup with the media asking if Alexander Isak will be starting: “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.”
Fans would definitely like to see Isak starting to give us another dimension in attack, especially after his game-changing cameo last week. This is my line-up prediction:
I’ve gone with Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin starting. As I’ve said before, it’s starting to feel like other teams have sussed us out from an attacking perspective so we need to change it up a bit. Obviously, you do not touch that back five, that’s borderline blasphemy.
With the Toon Army behind them, the fresher legs and the one-goal safety net, I can’t see anything other than Newcastle progressing. I’m going with my heart over my head and saying we’ll have another clean sheet.
Score prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Southampton