Softfootball understands that Newcastle United and Fulham would go head-to-head in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, with a place in the last four up for grabs.
Both sides are Premier League regulars, but their paths this season have been a bit different, which makes this one interesting.
Newcastle comes into the game after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in the league, a result that saw them drop to 12th in the Premier League table, now four points behind fifth-placed Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United shared a post about the game via their official X account.
View the post below:
Newcastle are the current EFL Cup holders, having beaten Liverpool in last season’s final, and they’ve looked solid in this year’s run.
A 4-1 win over Bradford City was followed by a controlled 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, and they’ll be hoping home advantage helps them take another step towards defending the trophy.
Fulham’s journey has been longer and not always smooth. Marco Silva’s team had to come through three rounds, beating Bristol City and Cambridge United before squeezing past Wycombe Wanderers on penalties.
It hasn’t been pretty at times, but Fulham are still alive and chasing history, with the League Cup a trophy they’ve never won.
The visitors arrive off the back of a 3-2 league win over Burnley, leaving them 13th in the table and just two points behind Newcastle. Fulham have actually scored more goals than the Magpies in the league this season, and despite losing 2-1 at St. James’ Park back in October, they’ll feel they can cause problems again.
Team News
Newcastle are dealing with several injury concerns. Dan Burn, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, and William Osula will all miss the game.
Burn’s injury is the most serious, after he suffered a broken rib and punctured lung against Sunderland, and he’s expected to be out for some time.
Howe is still expected to go strong on Wednesday. Yoane Wissa could make his full debut after recent substitute appearances, and there’s a feeling this match suits him.
Fulham will be without Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon due to thigh injuries, while Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi are unavailable because of Africa Cup of Nations duty. Silva isn’t expected to make many changes, with Harry Wilson, Fulham’s top scorer so far, set to feature, and Raul Jimenez likely to lead the line again.
Possible Lineups
Newcastle United:
Ramsdale; Livramento, Schar, Thiaw, Hall; Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Wissa, Barnes
Fulham:
Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Castagne; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, King, Kevin; Jimenez
Softfootball’s Prediction
Fulham are more than capable of making this uncomfortable, especially given Newcastle’s mixed form this season. Still, St. James’ Park on a cup night is a tough place to go, and Newcastle tends to find something extra in this competition.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2–1 Fulham
