The second legs in the semi-final stage of the EFL Cup take place this week. Newcastle will be looking to become the first club to reach Wembley, as they look to press home their advantage after beating Southampton 1-0 at St Mary’s last week.
EFL Cup Preview
Newcastle United will have their sights set on a first piece of major silverware in nearly 50 years this season. Their only hope will come in the EFL Cup, and they come into this second leg on the verge of reaching Wembley for the first time since 1999. The Toon have had a full week to prepare for this fixture following their early exit in the FA Cup, and they also have a 1-0 advantage ahead of the return game on Tyneside.
Newcastle always appeared to be the most likely winners in the first meeting between the sides last week, and they dually got their goal with just under 20 minutes remaining. Joelinton was the hero for the Toon, as he made amends after missing a glorious chance just ten minutes earlier.
Southampton would have likely been disappointed with their performance in that first leg, as they didn’t play with the same aggression as they did when beating Manchester City in the quarterfinal stage. However, the loss was the first suffered by the Saints in five domestic cup fixtures since Nathan Jones arrived at the club.
The Saints threatened to net an equalising goal in the closing minutes, but their chances were helped by the sending off of Duje Caleta-Car with four minutes remaining. Southampton will recall James Ward-Prowse and Che Adams for the second leg on Tuesday after both stars were rested for the Saints FA Cup clash over the weekend.
Newcastle vs Southampton Head to Head
Newcastle’s record against the Saints is an extremely strong one, as they have won each of the previous three in all competitions. They have also won four of the last five meetings between the sides. Southampton’s latest win at St James’ Park was recorded back in January of 2015.
Newcastle vs Southampton Prediction
There will be expectancy at St James’ Park on Tuesday that Newcastle’s wait for a return to Wembley will finally come to an end. We find it difficult to bet against the Magpies achieving that feat, and we could see them reaching the final in fine style with a 3-0 success over the Saints.
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