The Carabao Cup has reached its quarter-final stage and things get underway at Stamford Bridge in London on Tuesday, when the Magpies travel to the capital’s posh surroundings to face the Blues and Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 to reach QF, while Newcastle were eliminated Manchester United Last year’s final was a 3-0 win over the Red Devils.
Chelsea’s win over Sheffield United in the Premier League last weekend lifted them to a modest 10th place, while Newcastle’s win over Fulham left NUFC sixth.
Chelsea’s run in the EFL Cup has seen them defeat minnows AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion and Blackburn. Chelsea have progressed past the QF on the last four occasions they have reached such a stage. Unfortunately, that is about to change.
Eddie Howe overcame a turbulent period at the club to defeat Fulham, kicked out of all European competitions, while struggling on domestic trips, mostly in road games.
Newcastle have already dealt with both City and United in relegation matters, having put both Mancunian sides to the sword in previous rounds. More promising on Tuesday, however, was Howe’s masterplan as Newcastle thrashed Chelsea 4-1 in a Premier League clash earlier this season. What about an encore, boys!?
Wesley Fobana, Carney Chukwuemega, Trevo Saloba, Leslie Ukochukwu, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Mark Gugurella, Robert Sanchez and Noni Maduke are injury concerns for Chelsea. Christopher Ngungu (intro), Enzo Fernandez, Armando Broja and Malo Gusto could return to the squad.
Newcastle’s injury report hasn’t improved and it may actually have grown even bigger since we last checked, because such is life on the Tyne. Jolinton, Fabian Schar, Sandro Donali, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett, Javi Manquillo, Elliott Anderson, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isaac are out. Lonnie Lewis Hall was ineligible against his current but former club Chelsea. I can play for the Magpies today!
Here are some nuggets of wisdom from Howe, courtesy NUFC.co.uk
In the challenge facing Chelsea and his side The previous two wins in this tournament…
„The two draws we had earlier in this cup were as tough as you can get. The beauty of the two games we played showed that we can raise our game against the better teams in this competition.
„We are committed to moving forward and making more memories. We know how hard it will be, but we know the gift that will be offered.
With any kind of 11th he can go to the capital…
„I think a manager has many versions of his strongest team – I don’t think there is one.
„It’s always in the hands of the players, really, based on form and fitness and various reasons, so we’ll pick the team that we think will give us the best chance of winning.”
The Blues, who have shown signs of improvement under Pochettino…
„They are dangerous opponents for us – a good team with a good manager. Both teams will be equally motivated to do well.
„We will pick the team that gives us the best chance to win. We desperately want to win.
Fit-again defender Sven Bateman and the chance to give him his first start since September…
„He has rehabbed very well, so we have to decide if we want to start in this game.
„There are certain players who lift the team a little bit more and Sven is one of those players. He’s a big presence, he’s a big guy and we’ve missed his presence.
On injury concerns in his squad ahead of the tie…
“Alex (Isaac) has a problem with his hip – he had a scan last week and it’s not a big problem. It’s minor, probably more tiring than anything. We just need to watch him and be careful with him – we don’t want to get in the way of anything else.
„Both Jolinden and Fabian Schar will have scans today so we’ll know more. They don’t look too bad, but I’m hesitant to say too much until we get the scan results.
„It’s going to be an ongoing process with Harvey (Barnes) – there’s no update on that. He’s hoping to be back in four to five weeks, 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 seemed to absolutely fly by, as life does when you get older. I enjoyed every second of it.
“When you look back at a team’s games, (there are) so many highlights, memories… I’m so proud to do 100 games tomorrow and go on that journey with that club. It was a truly memorable time. „
How!
- Date: Tuesday, December 19
- Kick-off: 20:00 BST / 15:00 EST
- Place: Stamford Bridge, London (England)
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