Getting knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round has probably benefited Newcastle United’s quest for their first League Cup final appearance since 1976 and their first silverware since 1969, meaning they had an entire week to prepare for this clash. They’ll fancy their chances of a February 26th meeting at Wembley mostly likely against Manchester United after taking a slender 1-0 advantage into this second leg at St James' Park, especially with keeper Nick Pope on a career-best run of ten consecutive clean sheets.
Forward Callum Wilson took some of the defensive credit himself, stating that Newcastle “defend from the front” by cutting off the opposition supply. Regardless of who is responsible, Eddie Howe’s record breakers are currently boasting a Premier League (PL) low of 11 goals conceded, and enter this clash on the back of a club record eight consecutive home clean sheets across all competitions.
Only two sides in League Cup history have overturned a first leg home deficit to qualify for the final, with Arsenal the last to do it way back in 1986/87! That encapsulates the enormity of the task ahead of Nathan Jones and his Southampton players, who have had four fewer days to prepare after their 2-1 win over Blackpool in the FA Cup over the weekend.
Jones was ultimately brought in to keep Southampton in the top flight, so not many would have envisaged four of his first five victories in the job coming across the domestic cup competitions. In fact, the Saints are yet to draw a game under Jones (W5, L6), and having won from behind in their last two away trips, can’t be ruled out of this tie despite the one-goal deficit.
Players to watch: Each of Joelinton’s last seven Newcastle goals came in wins ‘to nil’ and should he score another, he will become the first Magpie since Shola Ameobi in 2010 to score in three consecutive League Cup games. Often the catalyst for any Saints success, James Ward-Prowse was rested at the weekend to be sharp for this clash and could prove key after scoring three of their last four away goals in all competitions.
Hot stat: Southampton have a miserable record at St James’ Park, failing to keep a clean sheet across the last 18 H2Hs held there (W1, D4, L13). #SOUTHAMPTON #NEWCASTLE #CARABAOCUP