Fans question two key decisions as Eddie Howe names…

Fans question two key decisions as Eddie Howe names unchanged line-up for Southampton clash

Newcastle United supporters have questioned Eddie Howe's decision not to start Alexander Isak and Alan Saint-Maximin, after the Magpies named an unchanged line-up to face Southampton.

Isak is yet to start a game since returning from injury earlier this month. He scored the only goal against Fulham at St James' Park and emerged from the bench to set-up Joelinton's strike in the first leg against Southampton.

Joelinton's solitary goal at St Mary's ensured that Newcastle head into the second leg at St James' Park with a one-goal advantage.

The Magpies need to avoid defeat to reach their first League Cup final in 47 years. Eddie Howe's men have eliminated Tranmere Rovers, Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth respectively en route to the semi-finals.

Here is how Newcastle fans have been reacting to the side Howe has named in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg...

Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.

Subs: Darlow, Dummett, Lascelles, Saint-Maximin, Ritchie, Lewis, Isak, Murphy, Anderson.

@LRbix ASM and Isak benched again?

@tynetakes We could argue about team selection all night and Isak and ASM must feel hard done by, but you've got to trust Eddie. Tonight is about getting behind the team and getting to a final.

@iangregory70 Fully expected us to stick with what got us this far and protect our defensive side. Hopefully take our chances as we've been creating enough.

@Connor_Ryan97 What does Isak have to do to start a game?

@TarranSmart I had a feeling this would be the line-up. Disappointed I have to say. Isak has scored and assisted in his last three games, Wilson has done nothing. ASM looked good last week and deserves a chance to start. With Willock and Longstaff not creating or finishing chances.

@gilliday I hope this pays off. Willock and Wilson are just not on form. Isak and ASM all the way.

@adamobizzle I love Wilson but he hasn't scored since October. Surely we should be trying Isak from the start soon.

@DonyGFN10 If you haven't scored a goal in over 50% of matches since Christmas. Maybe change your attackers, ASM and Isak need a start.

@ShankPrash Super happy with the starting line-up! In Howe we trust. Howay the lads!

@SparkzNUFC Don’t leave it until the 65-70th minute to bring Isak and Maxi on, if Wilson isn’t playing well get him off at HT. Give Isak a full half he’s crying out for it. Howay the lads lets get to Wembley.

Fans question two key decisions as Eddie Howe names unchanged line-up for Southampton clash

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