At half time of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City, not many Toon fans will have expected to have been in the hat for the fourth round draw at the end of the night.
But that is exactly what happened, with the Magpies shocking the world to win 1-0 and dump Man City out of the Carabao Cup.
Eddie Howe‘s side have beaten the favourites, as they look to do even better than they did last season.
Newcastle made it to the final of the Carabao Cup in the previous campaign, and now there is a chance that they could go one better after advancing to the fourth round.
They will face Manchester United at Old Trafford next, who beat the Magpies in the final at Wembley back in February.
But despite the holders still being in the competition, Ally McCoist does not actually think they are the favourites to lift the trophy next year.
McCoist thinks Newcastle are now one of the Carabao Cup favourites
McCoist has spoke about Newcastle beating Man City in the Carabao Cup on TalkSPORT, and has admitted that they are now the favourites to win the entire thing alongside Liverpool.
“You could argue they’re favourites at the moment,” he said.
“Them and Liverpool, surely? It’s an ideal opportunity, because all competitions at the start of the season, Manchester City start as favourites, which is understandable. They’re now out, so therefore, what an opportunity to get silverware.”
Next round against Man United will be very tough for Newcastle
It shows how far Newcastle have come that they are now considered the favourites to win a trophy. This is a club that has not won domestic silverware since 1955.
But McCoist thinks the Magpies could go the distance, and believes it is them and Liverpool who are the favourites to triumph at Wembley next year. For reference, this competition still includes Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Newcastle will play one of those sides in the next round, with Howe taking his team to Old Trafford. That will be a tough game, but the Magpies will not be fearful.
Howe’s men have proven they are up for the cup, and McCoist believes they are now one of the favourites. That is high praise, but the Newcastle boss will be keen to keep taking it one game at a time.
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