Newcastle United head into Sunday’s showdown at Wembley with renewed confidence.
For the second time in two years, Newcastle United will contest a Carabao Cup final. While no doubt underdogs for the game against Liverpool, Eddie Howe’s side have reasons to feel confident – even if recent events have made their task all the more difficult.
Indeed, Newcastle beat West Ham 1-0 in the Premier League on Monday to raise hopes ahead of their second trip to the capital in less than a week.
Bruno Guimaraes scored the only goal of the game in what was a professional if not exactly vintage display from Howe’s side.
One of the major calls the Newcastle United manager made before the Hammers clash was in goal. Nick Pope came back into the starting lineup ahead of Martin Dubravka, which split opinion amongst sections of the support online.
Naturally, after the game, Howe was asked about the goalkeeping situation.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Eddie Howe confirms “difficult” Nick Pope decision before Newcastle United play Carabao Cup final
Newcastle fans chanted Dubravka’s name during the FA Cup defeat to Brighton, signalling their support for a player to have impressed when called upon during Pope’s injury-enforced absence.
However, Howe took the decision to drop Dubravka for the trip to east London, which could prove significant. With Pope having been the undisputed No.1 until recently, it would now be a shock to see him dropped after starting against West Ham.
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Had Dubravka started, it would have seemed equally as strange to drop him this close to Wembley.
Of his decision, Howe told Sky Sports: “Difficult call, but it is not the only one.
“The goalkeeper situation has not been clear as both goalkeepers have been high-class.
“I was pleased with Nick today.
“Everyone has to be ready. We need the whole squad focused on Sunday.”
“You look for the best man for the job. You take form, training and everything into consideration. Tough calls to make.”
Who is Newcastle’s number one goalkeeper?
Right now, it would appear to be Pope. Whether all fans like it or not, the fact he started against West Ham looks significant.
To drop him for Wembley after that, a game in which he didn’t exactly make any huge errors, would be a major call.
It is a harsh decision either way. While Pope has been described as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, Dubravka was excellent in his absence.
Whatever Howe does ahead of Wembley, it’s going to be a big call. Someone won’t be happy.