Newcastle United return to Premier League action when they host Fulham at St James’ Park this afternoon (kick-off 2pm).
Eddie Howe’s side are riding high after reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup for the first time since 1976 via a 2-0 win against Leicester City on Tuesday.
The Magpies will face Southampton over two legs in the next round, but Howe is refusing to think about the Carabao Cup - insisting the focus is fully on Fulham.
“Tough game but we’re just pleased to be in it.” Howe said.”A two-legged semi-final, we’re looking forward to that. It’s on the horizon for us, it’s given us a lot of positivity, and hopefully the whole club and supporters as well.
“But at the moment, our focus is on the Premier League.”
So, what about Fulham?
Howe said: "They’re very much in good form. I think Marco’s done a very, very good job with the team. I’m very impressed with the style of play. They’re not getting results by anything other than (being) a very cohesive team unit, playing a lot of really good football.
“Tactically, they’re very interesting, and they’ve got players in form so they’re a dangerous opponent from our perspective. I think it will be a good test of our defensive capabilities, with two very good teams - and form teams - going at it."
Here’s the Newcastle United starting XI we’re predicting Howe to name:
The Magpies will face Southampton over two legs in the next round, but Howe is refusing to think about the Carabao Cup - insisting the focus is fully on Fulham.