It will be an intriguing clash when Newcastle United take on Hull City in the EFL Cup quarter-finals tonight. While Hull go into the match after a hard fought draw against West Bromwich Albion amidst a poor league run occupying the last spot in the relegation zone and managing just 1 league win from 11 matches since September, Newcastle United faced their first defeat in their last 9 games this past weekend.
Both the teams are expected to field a strong lineup as a win here will definitely boost their confidence. Newcastle even went on to field a weaker side to have a full strength team against the Tigers.
Team News
Newcastle United- Benitez rested six of his first-team players in the league game against Blackburn Rovers and will have a highly rotated squad for the game. Grant Hanley, Jack Colback, Yoan Gouffran and Jamaal Lascelles are all in contention for a recall, as is top scorer Dwight Gayle.
Hull City- The Tigers were lucky not to suffer any further injuries in the last league game and Phelan has vowed to start with a strong team in the midweek fixture. With the absence of their first choice strikers Will Keane and Abel Hernandez, Phelan had to makeshift the front two, bringing in winger Snodgrass as the striker alongside Mbokani, which has fared well so far.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United (4-4-1-1) – Darlow; Dummett, Clark, Lascelles, Anita; Gouffran, Shelvey, Colback, Ritchie; Diame; Gayle
Hull City (5-2-1-1)- Marshall; Clucas, Maguire, Dawson, Davies, El Mohamedy; Livermore, Mason; Henriksen; Snodgrass, Mbokani
Key Players
Newcastle United- Dwight Gayle was rested against Rovers and is expected to start against Hull. The 26-year-old striker has netted 13 goals in 15 appearances this season. Another firmly in the frame for a lead role is Diame. The Senegal international, who fired the Tigers to promotion in May’s Championship play-off final, is likely start on his first return to East Yorkshire since joining Newcastle for £4m in July.
Hull City- Robert Snodgrass will lead from the front. The Scottish winger has scored 4 goals for the Tigers this season. Craig Dawson has been brilliant in an otherwise poor season for Hull. Mbokani hasn’t had the best of times this season and this could be the perfect match for him to prove his mettle. Tom Huddlestone is expected to start from the bench but he could always be lethal.
Odds
Newcastle United @ 2.25
Draw @ 3.40
Hull City @ 3.50
