Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup defence approaches a difficult obstacle on Wednesday in the form of Tottenham Hotspur.
It was a great week for Newcastle United, who responded to their defeat at Brighton with important victories over Benfica and Fulham.
There is no rest for the wicked, though, and Eddie Howe’s side are straight back into the action on Wednesday as they return to Carabao Cup competition against Tottenham at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle defeated Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Arsenal twice and Liverpool to win the trophy last season, so they are used to tough ties in the tournament.
Yet, with a busy schedule, Tottenham will be a difficult opponent following on from League One’s Bradford City in the first match of their defence.
Here’s how Geordie Boot Boys writers predict the game will go.
Newcastle to win on penalties – James Rutherford
Eddie Howe is likely to rotate heavily for this game, but it will be far from a weakened side.
As defending champions, Newcastle are going to take the Carabao Cup incredibly seriously yet again.
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Tottenham Hotspur present a difficult challenge, and their away form has been excellent under Thomas Frank.
However, I am backing luck to be on the Magpies’ side with a victory on penalties.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham – Newcastle win on penalties.
Eddie Howe to keep his side strong – Daniel Murphy
There may be a couple of swaps in the starting XI, but Eddie Howe isn’t one to make sweeping changes and I’d expect him to name as strong a side as possible against Tottenham.
Yes, the games are coming quick and fast and the manager must be wary of fatigue, given the injuries are already having an impact but, as we saw last season, the cup is too important to throw away by naming a severely weakened side.
Especially when Newcastle are now finding a good run of form and are more than capable of defeating an inconsistent Tottenham at their best. I think Howe will go strong and Newcastle will advance.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham.
A big chance of William Osula – Olly Dawes
Saturday’s win over Fulham may have been a touch unconvincing in parts, but Newcastle got the job done to make it back-to-back wins.
Eddie Howe needed a response after defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, so wins in the Champions League and Premier League have served as a welcome boost.
Howe will now look to end October on a high with a third straight win in a third different competition by beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle have had some real fun against Tottenham at St James’ Park in recent seasons, but Thomas Frank has turned Spurs into a well-drilled defensive unit.
William Osula is surely set for a chance to shine after making an impact against Fulham, and both Howe and Frank will make changes ahead of big Premier League games to come.
Newcastle will take the Carabao Cup seriously after winning it last season, though, and I’ll back the Magpies to come out on top in a tight game.