Newcastle United remain unchanged for tonight’s Carabao Cup second leg semi-final clash against Southampton.
Eddie Howe’s men hold a slender 1-0 advantage from Joelinton’s 73rd-minute strike at St Mary’s last week.
And Howe has decided to stick with the same starting XI - with Callum Wilson chosen to lead the line ahead of club-record signing Alexander Isak.
The Sweden international made a big impact as a substitute on the South Coast by setting up Joelinton’s goal, but Howe has resisted the temptation to recall him.
There were also some calls to bring Allan Saint-Maximin back into the fold but he, like Isak, will available be from the bench.
On tonight’s game, Howe said yesterday: “Southampton are a strong team. They’ve added players in the window as well, I think they’ve got a big squad, a talented squad and a new manager, a very talented manager.
“Certainly from our perspective - and I’ve drilled this into the players this week - this game is by no means over. This tie is not over. It’s very much in the balance.
“We’re going to need a top performance and we’re going to need the crowd with us from minute one to the end, and hopefully we can get through.”
Avoid defeat at St James’ Park tonight and United will reach their first final in 24 years in what will likely be against Manchester United following their 3-0 first leg win over Nottingham Forest.
Check out the Newcastle United starting XI and subs in full below:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Made two big saves to deny Che Adams in the first leg. A clean sheet tonight will be his 11th in a row. Incredible.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Fresh from his contract extension, United will need Trippier’s quality and leadership if they are to progress to the final.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
The unsung hero of Newcastle’s season after another classy display in the first leg. NUFC haven’t lost when Schar has started .
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman has lapped up the plaudits since his £35m move in the summer. And what a CB partnership he’s created with Schar.