Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur - Eddie Howe pre-match press conference review
Newcastle United confirmed starting XI for the Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies head into the game on the back of back-to-back wins against Benfica in the Champions League and Fulham in the Premier League, and now return to the competition of which they are the current holders.
United’s defence of the trophy began with a 4-1 win over Bradford City. Victory against Spurs tonight will take them into the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive season.
Newcastle United starting XI v Tottenham Hotspur
And for the match, Howe has made eight changes to his line-up, with Aaron Ramsdale, Fabian Schar, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Emil Krafth, Anthony Elanga, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey replacing Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy and Joelinton.
Ramsdale, whose only previous appearance came against Bradford, starts in-between the sticks in place of Pope.
Burn and Thiaw retain their places in defence, with Krafth and Schar coming in.
Willock has been handed his first home start of the 2025-26 season, with the former Arsenal midfielder set to feature alongside Tonali and Ramsey in midfield. Barnes and Elanga start in the wide areas with Woltemade continuing as the central striker.
Here are the subs: Pope, Trippier, Botman, Joelinton, Gordon, William Osula, Murphy, Guimaraes, Miley.
Sven Botman on the bench for Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Sven Botman was forced off against Fulham after sustaining a “nasty-looking” cut to the head that required staples. The Dutchman missed training on Monday but came through the session yesterday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “Yes, so, as I said, after the game, no concussion. It was a cut, quite a nasty-looking cut for Sven. I think he had it stapled together, so he didn't train yesterday, so we'll see how he is today.”
Eddie Howe previews Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Asked about Newcastle’s desire to retain the Carabao Cup, Howe said: “Yes, absolutely. That feeling was incredible and I think one of the big drivers once you've experienced that is you want it again. And you want it again as quickly as possible. So we don't have unlimited opportunities for that.
“So this is one of those chances to go far in a competition, to go deep and to try and repeat the experience but these early rounds are really, really difficult. This will be a tough game.
“As I said earlier, Tottenham's away form is very, very strong, so in some senses, I think that's a good thing for us. It sharpens our minds. It leaves us to know in certain terms what we have to do.”
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