The Carabao Cup returns to St James’ Park under the lights on Wednesday night, and for Newcastle United it’s an early test of character.
Fresh from a stuttering but much-needed win over Fulham, Eddie Howe’s side host Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16, a tie that pits the current holders against a Spurs side in buoyant mood, having avenged their recent home defeat to Aston Villa with a 3-0 thumping of Everton at the weekend.
Howe has spoken about wanting to defend the trophy with the same hunger that won it last year. This fixture will show whether that desire still burns.
Recent form and head-to-head
Newcastle’s last two results have steadied the mood slightly after a flat domestic run. The Champions League hammering of Benfica was followed by a scrappy 2-1 win over Fulham, sealed by Bruno Guimarães in the 90th minute. Yet, issues remain: wasteful finishing, lapses in concentration and sluggish intensity at key moments.
Spurs arrive in somewhat sluggish form themselves. Since their previous League Cup tie, Thomas Frank’s side have only won twice in all competitions – away to Leeds (which was more than we managed…) and their recent 3-0 victory at Everton. They’ve looked sluggish in Europe where they’ve only managed draws to Monaco and Bodo Glimt, and have struggled at home, drawing to Wolves, and as mentioned, they were beaten 2-1 at home by Aston Villa on 19 October.
Newcastle United have found Spurs a favourable opponent in recent years, winning both league matches last season, and indeed we have won 5 of our last 8 league meetings against them.
Team news and predicted line-ups
Newcastle United
- Sven Botman suffered a deep cut to his head against Fulham that required staples. No concussion, but he’s yet to train fully and faces a late fitness check.
- Lewis Hall is close to returning but this game comes too soon — he could be back for West Ham at the weekend.
- Tino Livramento, Yoane Wissa and Lewis Hall all remain on individual recovery plans.
- Will Osula is available despite nursing an ankle issue.
- Jacob Ramsey could start after cameo appearances in recent games.
Rotation is expected, though Howe is unlikely to weaken his spine too much. Ramsdale, Schär, Tonali, Barnes and Osula could all come in.
What did Eddie say
On Botman’s recovery:
“No concussion. It was a cut, quite a nasty-looking one for Sven — had it stapled together. He didn’t train yesterday, so we’ll see how he is today.”
On Lewis Hall:
“He’s the closest to returning but this game will come too quickly for him. We’ll see how he is for West Ham.”
On balancing rotation:
“It’s an important decision because we want to progress, current holders, we don’t want to give that up easily. But I have to trust the squad. We’ve got good players who need football. It’s about getting that balance right.”
On the Carabao Cup journey:
“A lot of great experiences in this competition, the heartbreak, the final, then winning it. These early rounds are so important. It’s about finding a way through and keeping your name in the hat.”
On winning silverware again:
“That feeling was incredible. Once you’ve experienced that, you want it again, and as quickly as possible.”
On Will Osula:
“He’s vitally important. His speed, attitude and maturity have really developed. When he came on against Fulham, his energy changed the game.”
Tactical preview and key battles
Thomas Frank’s Spurs are structured, physical and disciplined from set-pieces, hallmarks of his Brentford sides, but they can be caught out by pace on the break, and are prone to defensive lapses in concentration as Villa showed in their recent win.
For Newcastle, this is about rediscovering sharpness in and out of possession. Expect Howe to lean on the energy of Bruno and Ramsey, the width of Barnes and Elanga, and the direct running of Osula up top.
Key battles:
- Bruno Guimarães vs Palhinha – midfield control and tempo.
- Trippier vs Kudus – discipline against pace.
- Krafth vs Kulusevski – both prone to lapses; whoever recovers quicker wins that flank.
- Set pieces – Spurs have scored five league goals from set pieces already this season; Newcastle will need to stay alert.
Prediction and what to expect
Newcastle will have to raise their level, the home crowd will expect intensity, not just effort. Spurs are a dangerous side packed with quality, but their vulnerability from crosses and second balls could suit Howe’s side if we can deliver quality from wide areas.
Expect changes, but not complacency.
Prediction: Newcastle 2 – 1 Tottenham
The defence of the Carabao Cup starts here, and Newcastle can’t afford another slow start.
