St James’ Park will stage an exciting League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday as Newcastle United and Fulham go head-to-head.
Newcastle head into the contest under a cloud after a narrow 1–0 Premier League defeat to fierce rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.
That result left the Magpies sitting 12th in the Premier League table, four points adrift of fifth-placed Crystal Palace, and six off the Champions League places.
Newcastle have struggled for consistency this season, making this cup clash an important opportunity to respond.
They ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy with a League Cup final win against Liverpool last season, and they have shown their quality in the competition.
A commanding 4-1 win over Bradford City was followed by a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, underscoring their intent to defend the title.
However, they’d be silly to underestimate the size of their upcoming task.
Newcastle and Fulham have met only three times in the League Cup, with the most recent encounters dating back to 1981. The London club came out on top.
How Newcastle could line up
Howe will likely make five changes for tonight’s game.
Nick Pope’s absence allows Aaron Ramsdale to retain his place between the sticks, but there could be a change to the backline.
Fabian Schar could step in for Dan Burn, who picked up an injury in the first half of the Sunderland defeat.
He’ll be joined in the back four by Tino Livramento, Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall.
Joelinton should return in place of Sandro Tonali, lining up alongside captain Bruno Guimaraes and academy talent Lewis Miley.
Howe could also name a brand new attack with Yoane Wissa finally making his full debut since his £55 million move from Brentford last summer.
He’ll likely be joined by Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes on the flanks.
Predicted Newcastle starting XI
(4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Schar, Thiaw, Hall; Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Wissa, Barnes.
