Well then, Newcastle are one of the few sides that can compare injury lists with us, looks like they lost Schar and Joelinton today.

Did us no good when they stuffed us at St. James. Can we show up and give us all a semi final to at least look forward to please?

Same team as today except drop Silva move Disasi inside and start gusto. 

Don’t know what to expect here. 

I suspect Silva will get a rest, with Gusto coming in at RB. Hopefully some minutes for Nkunku, and possibly even Lavia. Even with some players missing I expect Newcastle to put out a strongish team and will provide tough opposition. Hopefully we can gain some revenge for the league defeat and beat them.  

Newcastle has bigger fishes to fry, such as finishing higher up in the league. I expect a win here ( shouldn't but I will). This is our best route to get back into Thursday night football, so get it done.

7 minutes ago, icecoolguy22 said:

Newcastle has bigger fishes to fry, such as finishing higher up in the league. I expect a win here ( shouldn't but I will). This is our best route to get back into Thursday night football, so get it done.

They are certainly in a better position than we are to chase for top 4, or at least top 6. But they also know this is a chance to make semi-final and a step closer to a trophy. 

1 hour ago, icecoolguy22 said:

Newcastle has bigger fishes to fry, such as finishing higher up in the league. I expect a win here ( shouldn't but I will). This is our best route to get back into Thursday night football, so get it done.

Having had a taste of Wembley in this competition as Runners Up last year, I expect them to be very motivated to try and go one step further this year and lift the trophy.

We will certainly need to up our game to get through to the SF

3 hours ago, icecoolguy22 said:

Newcastle has bigger fishes to fry, such as finishing higher up in the league. I expect a win here ( shouldn't but I will). This is our best route to get back into Thursday night football, so get it done.

Now they are out of Europe they do not. Also been a long, long time since they won something and they need a cup to kick start that winning feeling.

4 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Don’t know what to expect here. 

A Gordon goal and Miley to star.

9 hours ago, forbzy said:

I suspect Silva will get a rest, with Gusto coming in at RB. Hopefully some minutes for Nkunku, and possibly even Lavia. Even with some players missing I expect Newcastle to put out a strongish team and will provide tough opposition. Hopefully we can gain some revenge for the league defeat and beat them.  

If Lavia isn't ready, is Ugochukwu injured or just not featuring currently? 

If Thiago Silva is fit enough, then I'd play the same lineup.

Time for a payback, hopefully the players will be motivated enough to put some spirit and quality to continue our last victory.

COME ON CHELS!

28 minutes ago, WhiteWall said:

If Lavia isn't ready, is Ugochukwu injured or just not featuring currently? 

Big Les has been injured, but could be back for Newcastle.

Edited December 17, 20232 yr by Gonoir Beniashile

21 minutes ago, Gonoir Beniashile said:

Big Les has been injured, but could be back for Newcastle.

How long before Big Les is known as Biggles?

14 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Don’t know what to expect here. 

Agreed! 

5 hours ago, Backbiter said:

How long before Big Les is known as Biggles?

I raise you to Mr Bigglesworth.

41 minutes ago, Munkunku said:

I raise you to Mr Bigglesworth.

Not sure on Newcastles injury list but Pope being out is huge, Dubravka is not a patch on him.

Question is can we test him?

Newcastle have recovered Botman, Burn, Longstaff and Wilson since we lost to them, and expect Tripper and Isak back from the weekend.

Be a much stronger Newcastle side.

41 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

Newcastle have recovered Botman, Burn, Longstaff and Wilson since we lost to them, and expect Tripper and Isak back from the weekend.

Be a much stronger Newcastle side.

They lost JoeLinton and Schar yesterday. I suspect they will be cautious playing returning players in this game, as they have a lot of fixtures approaching in the weeks ahead. 

I doubt they will risk it by playing all the returning players, having said that we need to be better than Saturday to win it.

1 hour ago, forbzy said:

They lost JoeLinton and Schar yesterday. I suspect they will be cautious playing returning players in this game, as they have a lot of fixtures approaching in the weeks ahead. 

 

46 minutes ago, icecoolguy22 said:

I doubt they will risk it by playing all the returning players, having said that we need to be better than Saturday to win it.

Think you both are underestimating how much Newcastle want this cup, especially after losing last years final.

Ah this one is on my birthday. I'm sure Chelsea will oblige with a nice present of going out of the cup.

22 minutes ago, Zeta said:

Ah this one is on my birthday. I'm sure Chelsea will oblige with a nice present of going out of the cup.

Sorry that Chelsea are going to ruin your birthday.

2 hours ago, axman2526 said:

 

Think you both are underestimating how much Newcastle want this cup, especially after losing last years final.

I am not suggesting they will take the game lightly. I just think they will be cautious, as we have been, about rushing players back from injury.

Returning from injury players don’t always fully hit their straps first time out. But never mind them, never mind the ref.  What can we deliver. 

3 minutes ago, ozboy said:

Returning from injury players don’t always fully hit their straps first time out. But never mind them, never mind the ref.  What can we deliver.