Newcastle United have the chance to end 70 years of domestic hurt at Wembley this afternoon when they take on Liverpool in the League Cup final.
Not since victory over Manchester City in the 1955 FA Cup final have the Magpies claimed silverware in England, a drought that is too staggering to believe.
Eddie Howe led the Toon to the same stage of this competition two seasons ago, but lost the showpiece event to Manchester United.
Can he put these demons to bed today? Or will Liverpool look to get back to winning ways after being bundled out of the Champions League midweek to Paris Saint-Germain?
It promises to be an exciting match, that’s for sure.
Newcastle United team news vs Liverpool
Defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles will miss the trip to Wembley, while Lewis Hall won’t be available for selection now until next season after suffering an injury against Liverpool a few weeks ago.
Thankfully for Howe, Alexander Isak is fit and ready to shine for the Magpies against the Anfield side. It looked as though he was struggling for fitness a few weeks ago, but he could be key if the club want to end their seven-decade hoodoo today.
One player who is missing for the final is Anthony Gordon. During the FA Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion a couple of weeks ago, the Englishman was sent off after pushing Jan Paul van Hecke in the head during the match.
This suspension could hurt Howe, but he does have a few options regarding a replacement for the talented winger.
While Harvey Barnes – who started against West Ham on Monday night – might be the obvious solution, Joe Willock could drop back into the heart of the midfield, which would allow Joelinton the chance to replace Gordon on the left wing instead.
Why Howe must unleash Joelinton for Newcastle
The Brazilian has played 31 games for the club this season, scoring four goals and grabbing an assist.
All of his goals have come in the Premier League, where the midfielder has also created a big chance, averages 0.8 key passes per game and won 5.7 total duels per match.
Goals
4
Assists
1
Total duels won per game
5.7
Possession lost per game
10.7
Key passes per game
0.8
Balls recoverd per game
5.4
Howe has praised the player heavily in the past, none more so than after Newcastle’s comeback against Nottingham Forest earlier this season, saying: “He’s like gold dust because you know wherever you put him he’ll do a good job.”
When compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Joelinton ranks in the top 10% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.1), progressive passes received (4.14), total shots (1.84) and for through balls (0.38) per 90.
These statistics indicate that he could be a more than worthy replacement for Gordon this afternoon, even ahead of the previously peripheral Barnes, as the club chase a long-awaited trophy.
If the club perform to their best, they have a chance of defeating Liverpool, but every member of the starting XI will need to be up to the task of stopping Arne Slot’s side.
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