The Carabao Cup has reached its quarter-final stage and things are set to go well at London’s Stamford Bridge on Tuesday as the Magpies visit the capital’s posh neighborhood to face the Blues and Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 to reach QF while Newcastle were eliminated Manchester United with a 3-0 win having fallen to the Red Devils in last year’s final.
Last weekend, Chelsea’s win over Sheffield United in the Premier League moved them up to a mediocre 10th place, while Newcastle’s win over Fulham has NUFC sixth.
Chelsea’s run in the EFL Cup saw them beat minnows AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion and Blackburn. Chelsea have progressed beyond the QF the last four times they have reached such a stage. Unfortunately, that is about to change.
Eddie Howe overcame a turbulent period at the club to win over Fulham having endured a ban from all European competitions, while also struggling domestically, particularly away games.
Newcastle have put both Mancunian sides to the sword in previous rounds, having already faced City and United in back-to-back affairs. More promising for Tuesday, however, is the fact that Howe worked out a masterplan that saw Newcastle thrash Chelsea 4-1 in their Premier League clash earlier this season. How about an encore guys!?
Chelsea’s injury concerns include Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez and Noni Madueke. Christopher Nkunku (debut), Enzo Fernandez, Armando Broja and Malo Gusto could all return to the squad.
Newcastle’s injury toll hasn’t improved and may actually have grown even bigger since we last checked, because such is life on Tyne. Joelinton, Fabian Schar, Sandro Tonali, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett, Javi Manquillo, Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak are out. Loanee Lewis Hall is ineligible against current but former club Chelsea. I might play for the Magpies today!
Here are some of Howe’s nuggets of wisdom, courtesy of him NUFC.co.uk
For the challenge of facing Chelsea and his team two previous wins in the competition this season…
“The two draws we had previously in this cup are as tough as you can get. The beauty of these two games we’ve had has shown that we can raise our game against top teams in this competition.
“We are determined to move forward and create more memories. We know how difficult it will be, but we know the prize on offer.”
With what kind of start can he go to the capital…
“A manager, I think, will have many versions of his strongest team – I don’t think there is one.
“It’s always down to the players, really, in terms of form and fitness and a lot of different reasons, so we’ll pick a team that we think will give us the best chance of winning.”
To the Blues, who have shown signs of improvement under Pochettino…
“They are dangerous opponents for us – a very good team with a very good manager. Both teams will be equally motivated to do well.
“We will pick a team that will give us the best chance to win. We desperately want to win.”
On struggling defender Sven Botman and the prospect of giving him a first start since September…
“He has rehabbed really well so we will have to decide if we want to start in this game.
“There are certain players who lift the team a bit more and Sven is one of those players. He’s a big presence, he’s a big guy and we missed his presence.”
On the injuries to his team ahead of the tie…
“Alex (Isak) has a problem with his groin – he had a scan last week, it’s not a big problem. It’s minor, probably more fatigue than anything else. We just need to watch him and be careful with him – we don’t want him to lead us into anything more.
“Both Joelinton and Fabian Schär will have scans today so we will know more. They don’t look too bad, but I’m hesitant to say too much until we have the scan results.”
“This will be an ongoing process with Harvey (Barnes) – no update on that. He’s hoping to be back in four to five weeks and that’s the latest plan.”
In his 100th game in charge of the club – a milestone he will reach on Tuesday night…
“I was amazed – it seems like she’s absolutely flying by, as life tends to do when you get older. I loved every second of it.
“When you look back at a team of games, (there are) so many highlights, memories… I’m very proud that, hopefully tomorrow, I’ve made 100 games and I’ve really had this journey with the club. It was a truly unforgettable moment.”
Howay!
- Date: Tuesday, December 19
- Opening match: 20:00 BST / 15:00 EST
- Location: Stamford Bridge, London (England)
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