Newcastle United may make changes for the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
It’s Carabao Cup semi-final day, and despite Eddie Howe’s team seemingly pulling itself up lately, the Newcastle United manager has decisions to make for the second leg against Arsenal.
The Magpies lead 2-0 going into the reverse fixture, but they may have to try to book a place at Wembley without midfield enforcer Joelinton. The Brazilian is doubtful for the match after injuring his knee in Saturday’s defeat to Fulham.
But who should Howe go for? We asked our Chronicle Live team to share their thoughts on the NUFC starting lineup.
Lee Ryder
Eddie Howe’s team probably picks itself in many respects, given that the front three can be dangerous on their day. Who would succeed Joelinton in the engine room?
Sean Longstaff would be my choice because he has big-game experience and can handle some of the less glamorous tasks in the middle. Longstaff’s previous semi-final experience, in which he scored twice against the Saints, may also help him this time around.
Lewis Miley’s legs and Joe Willock’s energy may prove useful later in the night.
Despite a mediocre defensive performance, I’d stick with Schar and Burn in the centre.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Longstaff, Bruno, Tonali, Gordon, Murphy, and Isak.
Ciaran Kelly
Despite Newcastle conceding seven goals in their last three games, I would not make a change between the sticks. I don’t believe you can blame Martin Dubravka for any of the goals, and the ‘keeper’s distribution and ability to control the ball with his feet will be essential in a game like this.
However, if Joelinton is ruled out, I would reinstate Sven Botman in the starting lineup, with Sean Longstaff taking his place in midfield. Newcastle will miss Joelinton’s persistence off the ball, but Longstaff quietly impressed when Newcastle upset Arsenal at St James’ Park a few months ago. That afternoon, Eddie Howe claimed the Geordie’s tactical acumen was’second to none’, and those attributes will be required again.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Longstaff, Bruno, Murphy, Isak, and Gordon
Aaron Stokes
There are only a few positions that I believe we can discuss coming into the second leg. United’s front three, as well as two of Howe’s midfield players, are all selected. I’d also be tempted to keep the same full-backs from previous weeks, with Martin Dubravka in goal.
In terms of substitutions, I’d bring in Sven Botman for Fabian Schar, given how well he did in the first leg and the fact that he needs game time to get back up to speed on Tyneside. Joelinton is doubtful in midfield, so who will replace him is anyone’s guess.
I’d take a chance and include Joe Willock from the start. The former Arsenal player should be up for this one, and he deserves a fair shot to turn his recent fortunes around. He is unlikely to accomplish this by fleeting cameo appearances from the bench, as we have seen in recent years.
Give the attacking midfielder a chance to regain his form, and if it doesn’t work, bring in Sean Longstaff or Lewis Miley off the bench.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Bruno, Willock; Murphy, Isak, and Gordon.
Andrew Musgrove
It all hinges on Joelinton and whether the Brazilian is deemed fit. It would be a major setback if he wasn’t. I believe Eddie Howe would turn to Sean Longstaff in such situation, but I would go with Lewis Miley. It’s revealing that Longstaff hasn’t played much lately, and throwing him into such a big game would be risky.
The rest of the team chooses themselves. I understand Howe has options – and one important decision to make regarding his goalkeeper – but Martin Dubravka retains his job, and the rest of the backline remains unchanged.
Stuart Jamieson
It’s tempting to rely on experience in these situations, with Sean Longstaff the safe choice if Joelinton is ruled out of tonight’s match. However, I would choose Lewis Miley to replace the Brazilian in the United engine room. Newcastle have been rightly cautious about his comeback, especially given how much football he played last season, but he is the future, and this is an incredible opportunity.
Aside from that, I would reject requests to put Kieran Trippier ahead of Tino Livramento. I still love Trippier, but while there may be variations in form with young players, dismissing Livramento will help no one. However, I would bring back Sven Botman and Nick Pope. Whatever happens, Howe should not leave his best goalie and defender on the bench. Martin Dubravka and Fabian Schar are definitely the men who need to make way.
Starting XI: Pope, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Guimaraes, Miley, Murphy, Gordon, and Isak.
Ross Gregory
This is the first game in recent weeks where deciding on a starting XI has proven difficult. Eddie Howe’s teams have been very predictable, but this one might go in a variety of directions. Understandably, Howe like to keep his team stable, but after two poor home performances in a row, I believe it is time to shake things up.
Nick Pope joins my team. He’s better than Dubravka, and while he might be rusty, I’d bring him in. Kieran Trippier is a hard one: should you pick for his experience and ball quality (‘control,’ as Howe put it) or Tino Livramento’s quickness and energy? And what about center-back? Does Sven Botman start, and if so, who takes his place? So many questions.
I don’t see Joelinton being fit, and while there are a few choices, Joe Willock is the natural substitute on that left flank, up against his old team and with a point to show after the outrageous treatment he suffered over the weekend.
Starting lineup: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Hall, Bruno, Tonali, Willock, Murphy, Isak, and Gordon.
