Newcastle United will compete in what will be their first semi-final in any domestic cup competition since the 2004-05 season this evening. Eddie Howe will lead out his side against Southampton in the Carbabao Cup after beating Tranmere Rovers, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Leicester City in earlier rounds.
After travelling to the south coast for tonight’s clash, the Magpies will host the Saints on home soil next week before a potential date at Wembley next month beckons. The Carabao Cup could be the first ‘major’ trophy since their UEFA Interoto Cup victory in 2006.
However, they did come very close previous season when they reached the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United. While a meeting with Arsenal in the final was in sight, goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy (2), Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo knocked the Magpies out, with Shola Ameobi netting a consolation on the hour mark.
So, 18 years on, we take a look at the starting XI that came up against the Red Devils in Newcastle’s last cup semi-final.
9. Laurent Robert
The Frenchman claimed 86 goal contributions in 181 appearances for Newcastle United. Robert left the club the following year and joined Benfica and also previously returned to England with Derby County. | Getty Images
10. Shola Ameobi
Ameobi spent 19 years at St. James’ Park, making almost 400 appearances for the club. The Nigerian also scored Newcastle’s only goal in the semi-final. | Getty Images
11. Alan Shearer
Newcastle born and bred, Shearer became a club legend during his time on Tyneside and is also the Premier League’s top goalscorer with 260 goals. | Getty Images