Eddie Howe’s bold Newcastle United predicted starting XI v Southampton in Carabao Cup - gallery
Newcastle United’s predicted starting XI for the first leg of their two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Southampton.
How’s your nerves? The Carabao Cup semi-finals are here, and Newcastle United are ready for the first leg against Southampton.
Eddie Howe’s men travel to St Mary’s eyeing a positive result to take back to St James’ Park for the decisive leg in seven days’ time.
The Magpies have reached their first semi-final in 18 years, but Howe is determined to go one step further and secure a Wembley final.
“We’re delighted to be where we are, but the semi-final itself isn’t enough,” Howe said. “I don’t think it’s enough for anybody.
“I think you go into these games and to say you got to a semi-final means nothing, ultimately. You want to get one step further and I know the players feel the same way.
“Me and my coaching team feel passionate about it that we want to make the final, but we have to navigate these two games. They’re going to be very difficult.”
United’s struggle for goals in recent weeks has prompted some fans to debate recalls for Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak.
So, what Newcastle starting XI will Howe name? Here’s what we’re predicting:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Pope has gone 812 competitive minutes without conceding a goal. The last team he score past him? Southampton.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier has featured in all of the Magpies’ 25 fixtures this season, which sums up his importance.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
A quality operator. One of the unsung heroes. United haven’t lost a game he’s started this campaign.
4. CB: Sven Botman
United paid £35m for Botman last summer, and he’s already looking like a bargain.