Newcastle United host Fulham at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening with a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals at stake, as the reigning champs look to keep their defence of the trophy alive amid a disappointing start to the league campaign.
Newcastle come into the quarter-final after a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Sunderland, a result that left them 12th in the table and halted recent domestic momentum. Eddie Howe’s side have struggled to show any consistency this season, but cup tourneys seem to be
the mojo of this team.
Wins over Bradford City and Tottenham Hotspur have brought Newcastle to this stage, and the EFL Cup remains a priority after last season’s final win over Liverpool ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought.
The Magpies have limited Carabao Cup history against Fulham, meeting just three times previously, most recently in 1981 when the London club progressed over two legs. However, Newcastle beat Fulham 2-1 at St James’ Park in the Premier League earlier this season, so it’s probable we watch the same development unfold this midweek.
Fulham arrive following a 3-2 league win over Burnley and sit 13th in the Premier League, two points behind Newcastle. Marco Silva’s team have already played three matches in this season’s competition to reach the quarter-finals, overcoming Bristol City, Cambridge United and Wycombe Wanderers, the latter on penalties. Fulham have never won the League Cup.
Newcastle will be without several defenders, including Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, while Yoane Wissa is expected to make his first full start. Nick Pope could return, but that’s up in the air.
Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk
Howe on Burn’s injury…
“It was a big blow for us because I think he’s been excellent in recent weeks. It’s a rib problem and an issue with his lungs so we wish him well and it will be around four to six weeks out.”
Howe on team news ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham…
“The back line is an issue for us. We don’t have many injuries but we have a concentrated group of players that all play in the same position.
“With Sven (Botman), we’re not entirely sure when he’ll return. He’s made good progress but he’s not ready to play yet.
“Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier are still out and their target date will be around the new year we think.
“Jamaal Lascelles is returning from a muscle problem. He’s fit and training with the group.”
Howe on whether Yoane Wissa is ready to make his first start for United…
“I’ll make a decision on that (whether he’s able to start) in consultation with everybody else. We’ll have to see whether he can execute what we need him to.”
Howe on Wednesday’s visit of the Cottagers providing a “positive focus” for his side…
“The beauty of football is you get another opportunity to focus on. That’s a good thing for us after Sunday.
“It’s a difficult game, but it’s a great opportunity for us to get to another semi-final of this competition. It’s something positive to focus on.”
Howe on reacting to the Wear-Tyne derby defeat at Sunderland…
“Part of my job is to remain very level. If you don’t and you join the emotional rollercoaster that football brings, you can damage relationships which are hugely important.
“I have to be constructive in my feedback and criticism which I will endeavour to do because we have to be very honest with the players and they have to be honest back with us. Then we have to find a way forward and we have to find a way to get consistent results which is what we’re still searching for this season.”
Howe on responding after Sunday…
“I can’t do that myself – it’s going to be us together as a group. I understand it. All I urge the supporters to do is what they’ve always done since I’ve been here and that’s support the team when they’re playing.
“We have a huge group of games to come and we have the opportunity to still make this an amazing season, so while we’re in that position while everything can still be positive we have to attack it with all of our efforts combined.”
Howay!
- Date: Wednesday, December 17th
- Kick-off: 16:00 BST / 15:15 EST
- Location: St. James’ Park, Newcastle (England)
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