Newcastle United

This evening we welcome Thomas Frank and his Tottenham Hotspur squad to St. James’ Park. Every team managed by Thomas is well coached, dangerous and really hard to beat. So we know we face a tough test today as a result.

We approach today’s game in good spirits after an excellent performance and result in our last home game against Fulham at the weekend. Boosted by an equally excellent result in the UEFA Champions League against Benfica a few days earlier, we were keen to follow up with another positive performance and we started on the front foot.

Fulham are a tough nut to crack and despite our early possession and a number of good chances, we had to show patience and stick to the game-plan. Our reward came when Jacob Murphy gave us a deserved lead.

We pushed for a second goal before the break and started the second half in a similar fashion. We knew Fulham were capable of scoring at any point and out of context with the match, they found a way back in just before the hour.

We stayed calm and continued to ask plenty of questions of the Fulham defence. When it looked as if we might run out of time, Bruno Guimarães stepped up to score the winning goal and secure another important win and three Premier League points.

There were once again a number of positives we took from the game, not least a second victory in a matter of days and the never-say-die attitude we displayed, which means we are seeking and finding a way to win in the 90th minute. This is a hallmark of our recent success and something which will remain vital this season too.

This evening we return to Carabao Cup action and an opportunity to make progress in a competition which is very important to our club. We are of course the holders, and having tasted success on that special day at Wembley last season, we are determined to return and compete for more silverware.

We know it won’t be easy. Our fixtures continue to come thick and fast and that’s a challenge for the whole squad. We also wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s the result of a lot of hard work, and it’s an opportunity we will continue to embrace. We believe we have built a strong squad with genuine depth, and we will need everyone to continue to contribute.

The atmosphere you generated against Fulham created the conditions for the players to keep going and chase the win. It is impossible to underestimate the difference you make.

Your energy and support is so important, and it was great to be able to celebrate the moment with you afterwards. Thank you for your incredible support, which we never take for granted.

The cup holders, aiming to reach a fourth consecutive League Cup quarter-final, welcome Thomas Frank's side to St. James' Park this evening and Howe has reshuffled his pack for tonight's cup contest.

Aaron Ramsdale, who made his competitive debut for the Magpies in September's 4-1 win against Bradford City, starts in-between the sticks in place of Nick Pope.

Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw, who both started United's 2-1 win against Fulham last weekend, retain their places in defence while the Blyth-born defender has been handed the captain's armband ahead of facing the North London outfit.

Emil Krafth and Fabian Schär, the latter making his 200th Premier League appearance for the Magpies in Saturday's last-gasp victory over the Cottagers, replace Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman, who both revert to the bench.

Joe Willock has been handed his first home start of the 2025/26 season, with the former Arsenal midfielder set to feature alongside Sandro Tonali and Jacob Ramsey in the middle of the park.

Harvey Barnes, on target in Newcastle's 2-1 home victory against Spurs last season, and Anthony Elanga will begin on the respective flanks, aiming to provide support to Nick Woltemade.

Howe has a number of options to deploy from the bench if required, with the likes of Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon all named as substitutes.

Jacob Murphy, who has recorded two goals and two assists in his last four league outings against Tottenham, as well as Lewis Miley and William Osula are also waiting in the wings as the Magpies aim to continue the defence of their Carabao Cup crown.

Newcastle United: Aaron Ramsdale, Fabian Schär, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, Emil Krafth, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Joe Willock, Dan Burn (c), Jacob Ramsey.

It should be another great evening at St. James’ Park - it’s the Carabao Cup and we’re the current holders. Ultimately, the goal is going back-to-back so that starts tonight.

The motivation in the squad is really high to win this competition again. We got a taste of it last year: it’s addictive, that feeling of success. To be able to create those moments for the fans and also for us on our footballing journey, it’s amazing to feel connected to something with a larger purpose.

We want to do well in all the cups but this one holds a special place for us because it’s the first one we won as a group and the first one we’ve won in a long time.

We come into tonight’s game on the back of an important Premier League win over Fulham at the weekend. We know that our league form has not been what we’d like it to have been, so it was just about getting three points on the board.

Ideally, we would have liked to have done it in spectacular fashion but it’s not always going to be like that, and on another day we go 3-0 up in the first half. We’re producing good moments, so now it’s about being more ruthless and keep accumulating the points. Ultimately we’ll have no European football if we take our eye off the league.

Personally, I was happy to be on the scoresheet on Saturday. I’m finding myself in a good flow in the moment, so I need to keep on doing that. My teammates have been putting me in wonderful opportunities to be able to contribute with assists and goals. I need to stay locked in to make sure I keep producing the moments I can when they arrive my way.

We also know tonight will be another tough game. Tottenham have always been a really tricky opponent for a number of years and Thomas Frank has done a wonderful job with them, giving them a clear identity and clarity. They’ve got fantastic players, defensively are a lot stronger now and offensively they’re getting the goals and points they need. They’re in good form and we’re under no illusion how tricky tonight’s game is going to be.

For us, it's now three home wins in a row. Every year we’ve made St. James’ Park a fortress so we have to do our best to protect that and keep building on it.

It’s naturally become that way because of the fans and the intensity you bring. When we’re connected as one, it’s near enough the worst place for any team to come. We have to make sure we’re delivering on the pitch and feed off your fantastic support once again in the stands.

Form Guide

Newcastle United - WWLWW

Tottenham- DWLDW

Form is displayed with the most recent fixture on the right

Last five competitive meetings

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 2 Newcastle United - Premier League (January 4 2025)

Newcastle United 2 - 1 - Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League (September 1 2024)

Newcastle United 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League (April 13 2024)

Tottenham Hotspur 4 - 1 Newcastle United - Premier League (December 10 2023)

Newcastle United 6 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League (April 23 2023)

Newcastle United stat leaders

Stats from Carabao Cup

Goals

Assists

Shots on target

Tottenham Hotspur stat leaders

Stats from Carabao Cup

Goals

Assists

Shots on target

Stats to wow your friends

Newcastle United come into the fixture on Wednesday night with three straight victories over Tottenham Hotspur, and five wins in the last six competitive fixtures between the sides.

Joelinton is in line to make his 22nd Carabao Cup appearance for Newcastle United, just one short of the record held by Rob Lee.

Newcastle United eliminated Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final of the 1976 League Cup despite losing the first leg 1-0. The Magpies won 3-1 at St. James' Park to progress to the final.

Get prepared for our Wednesday night Carabao Cup clash by taking our pre-match quiz. Can you get 100%?

When is the match?

Wednesday 29th October, 20:00 GMT

How can I follow the match live?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports. Supporters in other countries can check their local broadcaster here.

Supporters can also listen to BBC Radio Newcastle commentary across newcastleunited.com and the Official Newcastle United App with a Newcastle United Account.

Our Match Centre will provide minute-by-minute updates, as well as all the key stats. Fans can also chose their Player of the Match at full-time.

Match updates will be provided across the club's social media accounts. Follow them here: X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Threads

When can I watch highlights?

Highlights will be available on newcastleunited.com and the Official Newcastle United App two hours after the match, with extended highlights from midnight.

A full match replay will be available the following day.

What's the Newcastle team news?

Sven Botman received a cut to his head in the Premier League match against Fulham on the weekend and will be assessed ahead of Wednesday night's match. Lewis Hall's return is close, but not enough for this match.

What's the Tottenham Hotspur team news?

Thomas Frank reports that Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie have all taken 'steps forward' as they continue their recovery from injury. Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Koto Takai remain sidelined.

Which kit will be worn?

The Carabao Cup tie falls as the closest domestic home fixture to Remembrance Sunday, giving players, staff and fans a chance to pay respects to those who have lost their lives in conflict.

A pre-match tribute will take place at St. James' Park, with players also set to wear poppy-adorned shirts which will be auctioned to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

BEFORE KICK-OFF

As both teams enter the pitch, they will be joined by local service personnel from 5th Battalion of the Regiment of Royal Fusiliers based in Newcastle upon Tyne, RAF Boulmer from Northumberland and HMS Calliope, whose local offices are in Gateshead.

Fans will also witness a pre-match display coordinated by Wor Flags.

MINUTE'S SILENCE

Members of the armed forces will lay wreaths in the centre circle before uniting with players, staff, officials and fans to observe a minute's silence. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to join the period of silence, during which The Last Post will be played by a bugler from the British Army.

COMMEMORATIVE SHIRTS

Newcastle United players will wear shirts displaying poppies for both the Spurs cup tie and the away Premier League fixture against Brentford on Sunday 9th November. The commemorative shirts will be signed by players and made available for auction by MatchWornShirt.

All proceeds are donated to the Royal British Legion, supporting veterans and their families across the UK. Auctions begin at kick-off and bids can be placed - here.

UNITED FOR VETERANS

Alongside matchday commemorations, the club will host an invitational veterans' gathering at St. James' Park on Thursday 6th November. The event will welcome former service members for an afternoon of connection and reflection ahead of Remembrance Day.

Veterans wishing to register interest in attending should contact: [email protected]

WAR MEMORIAL AT ST. JAMES' PARK

Fans can also pay respects to the Armed Forces in their own time at St. James' Park's War Memorial Garden, located behind the Milburn Stand. Bearing the words 'Lest We Forget', the memorial carries the names of all 23 former Newcastle United players who passed away during the First and Second World Wars.

POPPY PIN BADGES

Magpies fans can also show support for their team and for the Royal British Legion with Newcastle United poppy pin badges on sale in official club stores at St. James' Park and Metrocentre.

Priced at £6 each, all profits benefit the work of the Royal British Legion.

The young Magpies fell behind in the first-half at Whitley Park following Lucá Williams-Barnett's clinical finish before Cathal Heffernan's header, guiding the ball home from Alfie Harrison's free-kick, drew the hosts level before the half-time break.

Williams-Barnett's impressive strike, though, regained Spurs' lead shortly after the restart before quick-fire efforts in the closing stages, courtesy of Dane Scarlett's free-kick and Tynan Thompson's finish, condemned United's youngsters to defeat.

Adam Lawrence made three changes from the side which were held to a 1-1 away draw against Reading as Alex Murphy and Max Thompson, both named on the bench for United's UEFA Champions League victory against Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday, featured in the starting eleven while 17-year-old striker Kacey Wooster was handed his full debut at under-21 level, leading the line in place of the suspended Sean Neave.

In blustery conditions on Tyneside, Newcastle almost fell behind inside the opening 60 seconds as Thompson rattled the woodwork for the visitors, latching onto Yusuf Akhamrich's pass inside the penalty area, following a dangerous attack, before drilling a ferocious effort onto the underside of the crossbar.

Wooster, who has scored three goals in his opening three league games at under-18 level, was unable to fire Newcastle ahead as the 17-year-old striker got in behind Spurs' backline following Alex Murphy's lofted pass but, despite cutting inside, saw his deflected attempt held by Tottenham 'keeper Aaron Maguire.

Newcastle conceded in the 20th minute through Williams-Barnett as the 17-year-old attacking midfielder collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area before drilling a powerful low effort into the far right-hand corner.

Thompson, who joined Newcastle's Academy at the age of 11, produced a key stop to prevent Spurs from doubling their lead as Rio Kyerematen raced onto Williams-Barnett's pass before his resulting effort at goal was blocked by the Ponteland-born shot-stopper.

United's youngsters equalised in the 38th minute courtesy of Heffernan as the Irish centre-back, a representative of his country at under-19 level, excellently guided Harrison's inviting free-kick at the back post into the far left-hand corner.

Newcastle went agonisingly close to taking the lead as another teasing set piece from Harrison was headed into the six-yard area by Heffernan before the ball found its way into Rory Finneran's path, who saw a fierce drive blocked out for a corner inside a crowded penalty area.

In the second-half, Thompson recorded a strong stop to deny Scarlett from regaining Spurs' one-goal cushion after the striker was slipped in behind by Williams-Barnett's delicately weighted pass but Thompson stood firm to block the shot at goal before smothering the loose ball.

In the 53rd minute, though, Spurs restored their lead courtesy of Williams-Barnett's impressive finish, picking the ball up on the edge of the box before rifling a powerful strike into the top right-hand corner.

Tottenham struck the woodwork for a second time in the contest shortly after as Kyerematen collected the ball in a dangerous position and, following a surging run towards the penalty area, drilled a low effort onto the foot of the right-hand post.

Newcastle were fortunate not to fall further behind as Thompson hit the bar for a second time, with the Spurs winger driving into the box before his terrific effort cannoned off the top corner of the right-hand post before the loose ball was cleared to safety.

United suffered a difficult blow in the 76th minute as Scarlett scored Spurs' third, curling a free-kick from the edge of the box into the left-hand corner.

Newcastle conceded a fourth two minutes as Thompson netted Spurs' fourth of the afternoon, collecting Williams-Barnett's pass before firing a low effort into the left-hand corner to round off a tough afternoon for Lawrence's side.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Max Thompson, Leo Shahar, Alex Murphy, Charlie McArthur, Cathal Heffernan (c), Scott Bailey, Alfie Harrison, Rory Finneran (Fraser Harper 61), Kacey Wooster (Joe Brayson 78), Anthony Munda, Dylan Charlton (Mohamed Waddani 71).

The Carabao Cup holders booked their place in round four of the competition following a 4-1 home win against League One Bradford City, courtesy of braces from Joelinton and William Osula, and have been rewarded with a home tie against Spurs.

Eddie Howe's side welcome the North London outfit to St. James' Park on Wednesday, 29th October, with kick-off set at 8pm (GMT).

The cup clash will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and ITV.

The Magpies, who beat Bradford City 4-1 at St. James' Park on Wednesday night, were handed a home draw against the North London outfit as they look to defend the trophy they won last term.

Thomas Frank's side were 3-0 winners at home to Doncaster to seal their passage to the last 16.

Round four ties will take place during the week commencing 27th October.

In the USA, all fixtures are available to watch via Paramount +.

The full fourth round draw is:

Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion

Grimsby Town v Brentford

Swansea City v Manchester City

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur

Wrexham v Cardiff City

Liverpool v Crystal Palace

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea

Wycombe Wanderers v Fulham