It's a Must Win Game Against Spurs Tonight
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 30
That emotional day at Wembley when we finally lifted a domestic trophy after 70 years of failure will live long in the hearts of Toon fans.
For many fans, me included, it ended decades of supporting Newcastle United when our hopes and dreams had been buried, often in early cup exits, at times even beaten by non-league teams like Bedford and Hereford.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United all beat us in FA & League Cup finals, we were always the bridesmaid and never the bride.
Until, of course, that glorious win against Liverpool when the trophy cabinet was finally opened again at SJP.
We want more of those trophy winning days and the road back to Wembley continues tonight against a Spurs team currently flying under Thomas Frank.
The Cups are our best chance of glory this season
Barring a sensational season where we go on a long unbeaten run to win the league, qualifying again for the CL will be our realistic ambition in the Prem this season.
With two wins in the CL we are on track to qualify for the next stage but only the most blinkered Toon fans would seriously think we can win the competition. Miracles can happen - so I'll never say never.
But, it's the EFL and FA Cups where our best chance of another trophy winning season lies.
And that's why the Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur game tonight assumes huge importance - it's arguably our most important game so far this season.
Win and we are into the Quarter Finals and just two steps away from another final.
Lose and we not only exit the competition but the SJP trophy cabinet will return to it's previous state of 70 years. Spurs will have knocked out the cup holders.
Should Eddie play his strongest team?
Make no mistake, we have a team that can beat Spurs tonight and be in the draw for the Quarter Finals that takes place after the game.
The big talking point will be - will Eddie pick that team.
Yesterday we talked about the pros & cons of squad rotation and that's all well and good against the likes of Bradford in the last round. But this is a rampant Spurs.
Straight off the back of a 3-0 win away to a very decent Everton side Thomas Frank and his Spurs team will be brimming with confidence and with no fear of coming to SJP.
I doubt that Spurs will be playing a team full of squad players and youngsters because this is also Frank's best chance of winning a trophy in his first season at the helm.
So, IMO, any changes that Eddie makes to his best available 11 needs to be very carefully considered.
Rest players if they are genuinely fatigued or carrying an injury - but apart from that I would select the best 11 for what is, IMO, a must win game.
We want to keep the Carabou Cup in the trophy cabinet for at least another year.
What do you think?
Tell the blog how important you think tonight's match is and give us your score forecast.
My usual fiver is going on 2-0 to the Toon.
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I have predicted Tonali as our POTS and at the moment he is winning hands down, his closest two rivals are imo Thiaw and BDB
on their current form LPool could be heading for the Championship, if it happens we should put in a cheap bid for Ekitike! 🤣
I shouldn't say this because predictions often come back to bite. But I will....
With Tonali running on all cyclinders. Bruno fresh after resting yesterday. Gordon and Murphy rested. Options at the back, in midfield and attack to give us a strong bench. Paqueta reportedly saying he wants to leave West Ham in January......
we should be looking to give West Ham a really good going over on Sunday, something we've yet to do this season. But our form is getting better and better and with injured players coming back it's only a matter of time before someone gets a good tonking from us.
After putting out a weakened team last night, Slot has made a rod for his own back. In one sense, I understand his logic. Villa at some on Saturday evening plus Real Madrid at home the following Tuesday - need to keep everyone fresh.
But his selection says two things. 1) He doesn't take the Carabao Cup seriously. 2) Even after winning the league at a canter last season and spending almost £450m over the summer, he still does not feel he has a squad to effectively compete on all fronts.
Any Liverpool fan should be very disappointed by this. Anything other than wins in the next two matches and the pressure will ramp up a notch.
The Isak injury…
Potts
Love big Joe, but do feel that sooner rather than later he's going to lose his starting spot. As you say, often times picks up silly yellows which then puts the handbrake on his play style for the rest of the match. Going forward I can see Ramsey taking his spot, as he offers similar running power, but is a bit more of an attacking threat and smart user of the ball. Still needs time to settle, but he's been quietly impressive each time he's played since joining.