Newcastle United face Chelsea for the second time in four days as they look to progress into the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea emerged as 2-1 winners at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday but the Magpies are targeting quick revenge on home turf.
United could welcome back Anthony Gordon into the matchday squad after his missed the last meeting with a groin complaint. The 23-year-old went for a scan on Monday and results confirmed the injury is nothing serious.
“He has been for a scan and we're hopeful the injury isn’t serious, we didn’t think it was when we initially did it,” Howe said in his pre-match press conference. Let’s see how he is today.
“It was in training on, I think, Friday but it didn’t become necessarily obvious to us until Saturday. Nothing serious, it’s one of those things you can sometimes get from time to time that players can play with or not play with and he just felt it was too much on Sunday.
“Yeah there is [a chance he could play this week] but of course we have to make the right decision. We have Arsenal coming up very quickly so it’s just about making sure we don’t do any further damage.”
Gordon pending, it’s very much as you were for Newcastle, who hoping to reignite their campaign following a run of five Premier League games without a win.
Here’s the Newcastle United starting XI Howe is predicted to name:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Howe has only changed his goalkeeper once this campaign and that was in the previous round against AFC Wimbledon when Martin Dubravka started. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
With Kieran Trippier injured, Livramento is set to retain his place at right-back against his former club. | AFP via Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar will be looking to bounce back from a tough afternoon at Stamford Bridge. | Getty Images
4. CB: Lloyd Kelly (in for Dan Burn)
Burn has been nursing an ankle injury in recent games. This may be an opportunity to rest him and give Kelly an opportunity. | Getty Images