Newcastle United are 90 minutes away from Wembley, and can book their place in the Carabao Cup final if they avoid defeat to Southampton on Tuesday night.
The Magpies have a 1-0 lead after the first leg, with Joelinton scoring the only goal of the game at St Mary’s.
Now a packed out St James’ Park awaits, as it prepares to host the biggest game it has seen in years.
Eddie Howe is on the brink of something special, and this is our predicted Newcastle lineup for the second leg against Southampton
One more clean sheet secures place at Wembley for Newcastle
If Newcastle avoid defeat to Southampton on Tuesday night, they will be in next month’s Carabao Cup final.
That means that another clean sheet will do the job for Newcastle, with Nick Pope seemingly unbeatable at the moment.
He hasn’t conceded a goal since November 6th, when Saints defender Romain Perraud found a way past the Toon stopper.
But Pope is in the form of his life, and has the Premier League’s toughest defence in front of him. They will all start on Tuesday, with Howe having no reason to change things.
Anthony Gordon cup-tied for Southampton clash
Newcastle have made a new signing, with Anthony Gordon arriving for £45million. However, he will not make his debut against Southampton.
That is because the 21-year-old is cup-tied, having played for Everton earlier in the competition. Instead, he will have to watch on from the stands.
Even if Gordon was available, it feels unlikely that Howe will change his wide options. Allan Saint-Maximin was excellent off the bench in the first leg, but the fact that Newcastle are defending a lead makes it probable that Howe will stick with Joelinton on the left flank.
The Brazilian provides better cover for Dan Burn. That will be essential in a game where Newcastle are effectively protecting a half time lead.
Eddie Howe predicted to drop Callum Wilson from Newcastle starting lineup
While Saint-Maximin might not start, Alexander Isak should. He was the difference maker in the first leg, providing a wonderful assist to give the Magpies a one-goal lead.
The 23-year-old’s electric pace allowed him to burst into the box and give Joelinton a tap in, and that injection of energy could earn him a start on Tuesday night.
Callum Wilson hasn’t been at his best since returning from the World Cup, and it now looks like the £20million man could lose his place in the starting lineup to Isak.
Predicted XI vs Southampton: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Isak, Joelinton.
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