Eddie Howe’s determination to preside over Newcastle’s collection of a first major trophy for 55 years will ensure he fields his strongest available side in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at Chelsea.
Given that Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian majority owners hope to see Howe’s team finish in the Premier League’s top four and qualify for the Champions League once more there is a case for prioritising the league. Yet despite a lengthy injury list, Newcastle’s manager seems anxious to atone for last Wednesday’s European exit at the hands of Milan by leading his side, the losing Carabao Cup finalists last season, into a two-legged semi final next month.
