Eddie Howe has named his Newcastle United line-up to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
Just days after losing 2-1 to Chelsea in the Premier League, Newcastle are set to face the Blues again in the second leg of their double-header.
This time, a spot in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup is up for grabs, and Newcastle will have home advantage with the Londoners traveling to St James’ Park.
Howe made five changes to his starting lineup for Wednesday’s match with Anthony Gordon returning from injury.
- NEWCASTLE STARTING XI: POPE, KRAFTH, KELLY, SCHAR, HALL, TONALI, LONGSTAFF, JOELINTON, GORDON, WILLOCK, ISAK
Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff both start with Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron dropping to the bench. Lewis Miley could be set for his first minutes since March after being named as a substitute.
In defence, Emil Krafth and summer signing Lloyd Kelly have been given a start.
A lot on the line for Newcastle United vs Chelsea
After coming so close to winning the Carabao Cup two years ago against Manchester United, Newcastle once again find themselves on the brink of reaching the latter stages of the competition.
Howe is expected to qualify for Europe this season, but ending Newcastle’s trophy drought would be incredible – plus it also offers an alternative route into Europe.
But Enzo Maresca’s side stand in Newcastle’s way, and Chelsea are in great form with only one defeat in their last 10 matches.
Cole Palmer ran the show at Stamford Bridge but the 22-year-old has been left out of the Blues starting lineup and was named on the bench.
Newcastle United fans all asking the same Anthony Gordon question
Changes were expected on Wednesday night and thankfully Anthony Gordon is back fit and available.
But supporters were left scratching their head about the formation and potential front three after Howe included Joe Willock and Gordon in his starting XI.
Fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, are speculating that Gordon could be forced to the right – or that Newcastle could line up in a new-look formation.
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One supporter wrote: “Soo confused with the formation here, I’m guessing Willock on the left and Gordon on the right?
Another added: “Gordon will be on the right? I’ve got no idea what formation will be.”
A third posted: “Gordon on right and j7 on left with Isak in-between. I want to be positive”
The confusion continued, with another fan writing: “Actually intrigued by this 11 and the subs available. Wonder what will come of it”
Another posted: “Looks like a different formation”
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