NewcastleWorld

Newcastle United new double injury blow ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Newcastle United new double injury blow ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash - NewcastleWorld
Description

Newcastle United picked up a fresh injury on the eve of their 4-1 win over Everton.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Eddie Howe’s big selection calls paid off as Newcastle United recorded a 4-1 victory away to Everton.

A Malick Thiaw double and goals from Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade put the Magpies 4-0 up before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall grabbed a consolation goal in the 70th minute.

After beating Manchester City 2-1 last weekend, United clinched back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since April and ended their seven-month wait for a domestic away win.

Eddie Howe’s six Newcastle United selection calls pay off

Howe made six changes from Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League, with Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Miley, Joelinton, Anthony Elanga and Woltemade coming in for Nick Pope, Fabian Schar, Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.

On the changes, Howe said: “I was really pleased for the squad today because it was a squad victory, really. We made changes because I wanted no fatigue on the pitch. I didn't want the feeling that I had after the Brentford game, the West Ham game, where I felt we were tired and lethargic.

“So, with that in mind, I think we have to trust the squad and use the squad. They repaid that faith.

“The players that came in, I thought, were excellent. The players that remained from the previous games did well too. I thought we had a good look about us. I thought we had our athleticism and pace in the right areas of the pitch.”

Newcastle United new double injury injury blow

Howe was under pressure from supporters to drop Pope and play Ramsdale after he was at fault for Marseille’s equaliser in midweek. But ultimately, the decision was taken out of the head coach’s hands after Pope picked up a groin issue during training on Friday.

Asked if Pope would have started if fit, Howe replied: “Good try! That's something for me to know.”

Howe continued: “Nick, we're disappointed to lose him. We can't afford to lose any player. He suffered an injury just towards the end of training.

“I didn't name the team yesterday. So we were just training as normal and he just, I think, wrong-footed on a shot and just felt something in his groin more after training than sort of in that moment.

“And, yes, I hope he's not out for long. We need him back. He'll have a scan in the next few days to find the damage.”

In addition to Pope, Newcastle are also awaiting an update on defender Sven Botman, who has gone to visit a specialist over a back problem.

Howe said: “He's been to see a specialist, I think, or he's going to see a specialist, should I say. Fingers crossed it's not too long. Any absence with a player of Sven's qualities, especially with the injuries that he has had, is a blow for us. So, fingers crossed.”

Aaron Ramsdale impresses on Premier League debut for Newcastle United

As a result, Ramsdale made his first Premier League start for the Magpies since joining from Southampton on a season-long loan deal in the summer.

“Nick and Aaron are very different goalkeepers,” Howe said. “They've got different strengths. Still very effective, both of them.

“And Aaron, I think, showed his qualities with the ball at his feet today. He distributed the ball very well. It wasn't overly worked, necessarily, in terms of shots, but what he did have to handle it.

“I thought he did well. I don't think he'd do much with the goal. So I think it's a good day for him and for the back four in front of him. Just a good day for the team in general, really.”

Newcastle United beat Man United & Tottenham in race for top talent - confirmed in goodbye message

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Confirmed: Newcastle United beat Man Utd & Spurs in race for top talent - NewcastleWorld
Description

Newcastle United have beaten the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to the top talent’s signature.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Newcastle United have agreed to sign teenage defender Josh Kenchington from League One outfit Barnsley.

It was widely reported earlier this month that Kenchington was Tyneside-bound with Newcastle fending off competition from several other Premier League clubs.

Kenchington is very highly rated, having already been compared to Manchester City and England defender John Stones.

Stones, like Kenchington, is a Barnsley lad and came through the Tykes’ academy before joining Everton for £3m after making 28 first-team appearances.

Stones, now 31, left his boyhood as an 18-year-old. Kenchington is departing at the far earlier age of 15.

Newcastle United beat Manchester United & Spurs to Josh Kenchington signature

As per Sky Sports News, Newcastle have beaten the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion to Kenchington’s signature and agreed to pay £350,000 plus “significant bonuses” to Barnsley.

An England under-15s international, Kenchington is already north of 6ft. He has been described as a two-footed centre-back and comfortable on the ball.

Josh Kenchington issue farewell message ahead of Newcastle United

Ahead of the move to Newcastle being made official, Kenchington has taken to social media to issue a goodbye message to Barnsley.

Kenchington wrote on Instagram: ““Where do I start? 5 years at this great academy, filled with both ups and downs, a rollercoaster of emotions.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club, including academy staff, players, and every coach along the way. Thank you all.

“I will never forget the memories made at my boyhood club and never forget how much I progressed. But is time now for the next chapter of my life, we move...❤️”

Fabian Schar gives brutally honest answer on Newcastle United future

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Fabian Schar gives brutally honest answer on Newcastle United future - NewcastleWorld
Description

Fabian Schar returned to the Newcastle United starting line-up with goal against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Fabian Schar has insisted he is “open” to staying at Newcastle United beyond the current campaign.

Signed in 2018 for just £3million by Rafa Benitez, the Swiss defender has been labelled as Newcastle’s best pound-for-pound signing of the Premier League era. Schar has been out of the team in recent weeks but returned to the starting line-up against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old repaid Eddie Howe’s faith by breaking the deadlock in a 2-0 win. Schar currently sits fourth in the list of Newcastle’s highest scoring defenders (22 goals) - 15 behind the legendary Frank Hudspeth.

Fabian Schar on Newcastle United future

One-year contract extensions have been the norm for Schar in consecutive seasons. He is taking the twilight of his career step by step but is keen to commit to another 12 months at St James’ Park.

“I have said before that I feel at home here,” Schar told The Chronicle. “I know in football you never know what happens and it goes quick. If that's something that can happen, that would be good. I would be open to it of course.

"We need to see what the situation is and what happens in the next few weeks. I will just try to show what I can do with my quality, and the rest we will see."

‘Great to see him back’ - Eddie Howe

Howe’s first big decision as Toon manager was to reintroduce Schar back into the fold. Speaking before the game, he discussed the competitiveness to start at centre-back this season.

“Absolutely (great to see him back),” Howe told reporters. “I think it was important for Fabian to come on and do well because it was a difficult moment for him. He's been an ever-present near enough since I've been here.

“Obviously, the challenge is greater this season with the arrival of Malick (Thiaw) and Sven's form and Dan (Burn's) form. For all the defenders to step up and to play is not easy with the group of defenders that we have. So, I'm delighted with how he played today and that will do him the world of good.”

Eddie Howe on Tottenham Hotspur win

On beating Spurs, Howe said: “Really pleased. When you make the changes that we did (eight changes), you hope to see a performance in line with our identity and expectations, and I thought we got both today.

“I thought the pressing early on in the game was outstanding, and the general attitude of the players was very, very good. Individually, there were some really good performances and, collectively, we were strong. Really pleased for the squad today.”

“You wonder how cohesive it will be (after making so many changes), but from minute one we looked in a really good place. Athletically, I thought we were excellent, and a lot of those players haven’t played regularly, so that’s a testament to their professionalism and how they look after themselves in between games. They got their rewards.”

Sandro Tonali describes life at Newcastle United in three words - Alan Shearer responds

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Sandro Tonali describes life at Newcastle United in three words - Alan Shearer responds - NewcastleWorld
Description

Newcastle United talisman Sandro Tonali returned to the team last night and scooped the man-of-the-match reward.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Sandro Tonali declared “This is NUFC” on social media following Newcastle United’s win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Italian returned to the Toon engine room following a bout of illness and produced a typical dominant performance. Tonali - who set up Fabian Schar’s opener from the corner spot - was crowned man of the match against Spurs.

His control in midfield allowed for Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton to earn a much-needed rest on the bench. Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock partnered Tonali as Newcastle ran out as comfortable winners.

Sandro Tonali posts on social media

Tonali used his customary social media post at the full-time whistle to send a black-and-white battle cry to the rest of the competition. He declared “This is NUFC” - with several figures at the club making public the importance of retaining the trophy.

Teammates Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn called him “maestro”, with Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga and Toon icon Alan Shearer also honouring the playmaker. Using last night as evidence, Tonali is certainly keen to keep the Carabao Cup on Tyneside.

Sandro Tonali on Tottenham Hotspur win

Speaking to ITV post-match, Tonali set his sights on winning the Carabao Cup for a second time. He said: “Tonight, the first thing (what the win does) is (give us) confidence. We started the game really well.

“This win is important, it is so important to be in the quarter-final, but also important to play really good football. Our goal is to win this trophy again. These fans deserve everything for this team. We play every game, 100 per cent, for these fans.”

Eddie Howe on Tottenham Hotspur win

On beating Spurs, Eddie Howe told reporters: “(I am) really pleased. When you make the changes that we did (eight changes), you hope to see a performance in line with our identity and expectations, and I thought we got both today.

“I thought the pressing early on in the game was outstanding, and the general attitude of the players was very, very good. Individually, there were some really good performances and, collectively, we were strong. Really pleased for the squad today.”

“You wonder how cohesive it will be (after making so many changes), but from minute one we looked in a really good place. Athletically, I thought we were excellent, and a lot of those players haven’t played regularly, so that’s a testament to their professionalism and how they look after themselves in between games. They got their rewards.”

Sandro Tonali injury fear truth after Newcastle United star's 'nasty' situation

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Sandro Tonali injury fear truth after Newcastle United star's 'nasty' situation - NewcastleWorld
Description

Sandro Tonali returned to Newcastle United’s starting XI for their Carabao Cup fourth round win over Tottenham Hotspur.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Sandro Tonali was man of the match as Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to advance into the last eight of the Carabao Cup.

Fabian Schar put the Magpies in front in the 24th minute with a towering header from Sandro Tonali’s corner before another header from Nick Woltemade, this time from Joe Willock’s delivery, doubled the lead shortly after the break.

Eddie Howe made eight changes from the starting XI that beat Fulham 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday. Coincidentally, it is the Cottagers who United will host in the quarter-finals.

Eddie Howe on making eight changes to his Newcastle United starting XI

Only Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn and Woltemade remained in the starting line-up as Aaron Ramsdale, Emil Krafth, Schar, Tonali, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga were given an opportunity to impress.

Howe explained: “I think it's a testament to the squad, a testament to the attitude of the players. I thought everyone played with the right spirit today, the right determination, the will to win was there.

“We didn't have our own way, it was a really hard-fought win. It was mainly very, very positive though. Yeah, really pleased for the squad today.

“We enjoy the competition, we take it seriously, we want to do well but it's the players really and how they take the pitch.

“There's always a slight doubt about how that team will knit together. How cohesive will it be? But from minute one, I thought we looked in a really good place. Athletically, I thought we were excellent today.

“A lot of those players haven't played regularly, so that's a testament to their professionalism, how they look after themselves in between games and they got their rewards.”

Sandro Tonali back to 100% fitness after ‘nasty illness’

Tonali was the pick of the bunch for Newcastle as he recovered from a “nasty illness” to reclaim his place in the starting XI.

The Italian was an unused substitute in last Tuesday’s 3-0 win against Benfica in the Champions League before playing the remaining half-hour against Fulham.

Asked about Tonali’s performance, Howe replied: “Yeah, I thought he was excellent today. He's full of energy, outstanding both in and out of possession, So yeah, very pleased for Sandro.

“He's had a nasty illness actually and it knocked him a little bit. But he was very honest about initially saying that he couldn't perform for the team, so we left him out.

“Today was the right time to bring him back in and he looked 100% and delighted with his performance.”

Sandro Tonali injury fears played down

There was some concern over Tonali towards the end of the match when he pulled up holding his calf but Howe confirmed it was just cramp.

Howe said: “Yeah, he's fine, just a little bit of cramp. I think that shows when Sandro's super fit but when you miss training for a few days due to his illness, it goes to show how fine-tuned these athletes are. But I think he's no problem.”

Newcastle United fans mock Liverpool just minutes after beating Tottenham Hotspur

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Newcastle United supporters mock Liverpool just minutes after beating Tottenham Hotspur - NewcastleWorld
Description

Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup was cheered by Newcastle United supporters.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Newcastle United maintained their Carabao Cup defence with a 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park.

Fabian Schar put the Magpies in front in the 24th minute when he rose highest in the box to head home Sandro Tonali’s out-swinging corner.

Nick Woltemade, one of only three players to stay in the starting XI from Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Fulham, then doubled the lead just five minutes into the second half.

Newcastle have reached the quarter-finals of the competition for the fourth consecutive campaign and have kept alive their hopes of reaching back-to-back finals. They face Fulham at home in the next round.

Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur

“Yeah, really pleasing,” said Howe after he made eight changes to his starting line-up. “I think it's a testament to the squad, a testament to the attitude of the players. I thought everyone played with the right spirit today, the right determination, the will to win was there.

“We didn't have our own way, it was a really hard-fought win. It was mainly very, very positive though. Yeah, really pleased for the squad today.”

Newcastle United fans mock Liverpool after their Crystal Palace defeat

If Eddie Howe’s side are to get back to Wembley, it won’t be a repeat of the final in March after Liverpool were dumped out by Crystal Palace, losing 3-0 at Anfield.

Minutes after the final whistle at St James’ Park, Liverpool’s defeat was read over the PA system, which sparked loud sarcastic cheers from the home fans.

And it doesn’t take an expert to work out why, with the Alexander Isak saga still fresh in Newcastle supporters’ minds.

Isak went on strike at Newcastle as he successfully forced a £130million British record transfer to Liverpool, however, he has struggled to hit the ground running and is currently sidelined with a groin issue.

Reds boss Arne Slot last week further fuelled the rift after referring to Newcastle as a “smaller club” when discussing Isak’s fitness levels.

The Dutchman said: “I don't think there's a rule that every single player has the same. But it also depends on what he did when he didn't train with the team, what the impact is if you go to a new club as a big signing.

"So you cannot compare, maybe a player who hasn't trained or played in pre-season at a smaller club than if you go to Liverpool. There are many factors that you have to take into account and there is not one thing if it's possible or not."

Newcastle United player ratings v Tottenham Hotspur: 'Sensational' & 'surprise' 8/10s in 2-0 win

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Newcastle United player ratings v Tottenham Hotspur: 'Sensational' & 'surprise' 8/10s in 2-0 win - NewcastleWorld
Description

Newcastle United maintained their Carabao Cup defence with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park.

Fabian Schar gave Newcastle the lead in the first-half before Nick Woltemade added a second the 50th-minute.

Howe made eight changes from the 2-1 win over Fulham as Newcastle looked to progress into the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive campaign.

Aaron Ramsdale replaced Nick Pope in goal as Emil Krafth and Schar joined Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn in the back four with Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier dropping out.

A fully rotated midfield saw Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey come in for Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Joelinton, while Woltemade retained his place in attack with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga replacing Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy as the two wingers.

Newcastle opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Schar rose highest to head home Tonali’s corner.

Early in the second half, Willock missed a close-range header to double United’s lead but moments later redeemed himself as the former Arsenal man crossed for Woltemade’s goal.

And that’s how it stayed as Howe’s side made it three wins in a row after victories over Benfica in the Champions League and Fulham in the Premier League last week.

Here are our Newcastle United player ratings:

Newcastle United predicted XI v Tottenham Hotspur - Eddie Howe makes just three changes

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Newcastle United predicted XI v Tottenham Hotspur - Eddie Howe makes just three changes - NewcastleWorld
Description

Eddie Howe wants to get the balance right as he prepares to make changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for tonight’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie at home to Tottenham Hotspur (kick-off 8pm) .

The Magpies host Spurs in what is their fourth game in 12 days, with West Ham United, Athletic Bilbao and Brentford still to come before the November international break.

United have won back-to-back matches, beating Benfica in the Champions League and Fulham in the Premier League, and now return to the competition in which they won in March after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final at Wembley.

Howe’s side defence began with a 4-1 victory over League One outfit Bradford City at St James’ Park last month.

“Yes, I think it's an important decision that I've got coming up for this game because, of course, we want to progress,” Howe said when asked about rotation his team against Spurs. “Competition means a lot to us, current holders, etc, o, we don't want to give that up easily.

“But I have to trust the squad as well, and we've got some very good players that need football and need an opportunity to show their talents and what they can bring the squad. So, I think there'll be an element of that, but, as I said, I've got to try and get the balance right.”

Howe could hand Aaron Ramsdale a chance in goal while Fabian Schar will be hoping to retain his place in defence after coming on for Sven Botman, who is a doubt for tonight’s game due to a head cut, against Fulham.

In midfield, Sandro Tonali is back to full fitness after struggling with illness. Jacob Ramsey started the Champions League match against Benfica last Tuesday but was rested versus Fulham having only just returned from an ankle problem.

In attack, both Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes will hope their recent positive cameos can earn them a place in the starting XI.

Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up:

Newcastle United fresh injury doubt v Tottenham Hotspur as three players ruled out

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
'Nasty-looking' - Newcastle United fresh injury doubt v Tottenham Hotspur as three players ruled out - NewcastleWorld
Description

Newcastle United injury news ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Eddie Howe wants to get the balance right as he prepares to make changes to his Newcastle United starting XI.

Newcastle host Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night in what is their fourth game in 12 days, with West Ham United, Athletic Bilbao and Brentford still to come before the November international break.

The Magpies have won back-to-back matches, beating Benfica in the Champions League and Fulham in the Premier League. Howe’s side now return to the competition of which they are the current holders of after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final at Wembley in March.

United’s defence began with a 4-1 victory over League One outfit Bradford City at St James’ Park last month.

Eddie Howe on rotating his Newcastle United starting XI v Tottenham Hotspur

“Yes, I think it's an important decision that I've got coming up for this game because, of course, we want to progress,” Howe said when asked about rotation his team against Spurs. “Competition means a lot to us, current holders, etc, o, we don't want to give that up easily.

“But I have to trust the squad as well, and we've got some very good players that need football and need an opportunity to show their talents and what they can bring the squad. So, I think there'll be an element of that, but, as I said, I've got to try and get the balance right.

“I love the different focuses that those competitions bring, the different challenges. I really love this competition, as I said earlier, so, I think it's a good thing, we love preparing football matches and love the experience of managing, so, from my perspective, it's fine.

“From the players' perspective, I think they feel the same way. I think they've got in a good groove and rhythm of knowing that this season is just going to be about playing, then resting and then preparing again for the next game. Very limited training.

“But, yes, so the different focuses, I think, is a good thing and we want to stay in as many competitions as we can.”

Newcastle United fresh injury doubt

Howe will have a full squad to choose from with the exception of Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa. Of the three, Hall is closest to returning, though the Spurs game will come too soon for the left-back.

“He is the closest,” Howe said. “No, this game will come too quickly for him, so we'll see how he is for West Ham.”

Meanwhile, Sven Botman is a doubt due to the “nasty cut” to the head he sustained during the 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday. The Dutchman missed training on Monday.

“Yes, so, as I said, after the game, no concussion,” Howe said. “It was a cut, quite a nasty-looking cut for Sven. I think he had it stapled together so, he didn't train yesterday, so we'll see how he is today.”

Tottenham Hotspur send strong message to Newcastle United before Carabao Cup clash

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham Hotspur send strong message to Newcastle United before Carabao Cup clash - NewcastleWorld
Description

Newcastle United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to St James’ Park tomorrow night in the Carabao Cup.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Thomas Frank has vowed to attack Newcastle United as he aims to secure Carabao Cup success at Tottenham Hotspur.

Eddie Howe brushed the Dane aside last season on his way to ending Newcastle’s 70-year domestic trophy drought. At the time, Frank was in the dugout at Brentford - a job he held for seven years.

The 52-year-old has now enjoyed a fine start to life in North London, with a 3-0 win over Everton climbing Spurs up to fifth. Attention turns to the Carabao Cup tomorrow and Frank is confident Tottenham can progress.

‘Compete and win’ - Thomas Frank

Speaking after beating the Toffees, Frank recognised Newcastle’s strength on home soil but remained confident his team can upset the apple cart. He told reporters: “I think it was very clear that we're in this game because we love it and if you are in a club like Tottenham, we would like to do whatever we can to win.

“I said from the beginning, I'd like to be able to compete in every tournament. We have an opportunity in a tournament where we play, not tomorrow, but Wednesday, against a very strong team.

“(They are) the holders. They have done very well, a very difficult place to play but we will go out there and do everything we can to compete and win and progress.”

Tottenham Hotspur injury update

Frank also provided a positive injury update - at least as far as Spurs are concerned - ahead of the fourth-round tie. He added: “No, (we are) all good from the guys that played yesterday. Dom (Solanke) stepped forward, step by step. Cuti (Cristian Romero) on the pitch today, not a timeframe. Destiny (Udogie) on the pitch as well today. Three steps forward.

“Of course there’ll be rotation, playing every third or fourth day. If you want to compete over 60 games, you can’t play the same XI. So there’s a fine balance. That’s one of the beauties of being head coach, that’s all part of the good fun.”

Bruno Guimaraes on Carabao Cup importance

Toon skipper Guimaraes opened up about his goal of winning the cup again following the Fulham win. As quoted by The Northern Echo, he said: “It means a lot. “We want to keep making history. We went 70 years without a win, but we can make it two in two. It's a big possibility, a big opportunity, so we don't want to miss it.

“It’s going to be a big game for us and we hope we're going to be ready to take advantage in the game. It’s a big moment, and even more because we won last season. We want to do it again, keep making history, against a great and very focused team.”