Eddie Howe is facing another defining moment in Newcastle United’s season as the Magpies prepare to host Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night at St James’ Park.
After a bruising derby defeat to Sunderland, both in terms of result and confidence, the Newcastle boss knows he has to strike the right balance between rotation, recovery, and giving his side the best possible chance to move one step closer to silverware.
The loss at the weekend came at a cost. Dan Burn picked up a rib injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least four to six weeks, further stretching a defence that is already light on options.
Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and William Osula remain unavailable, while goalkeeper Nick Pope is a doubt as he continues to manage a groin problem. These absences leave Howe with little room for manoeuvre at the back, meaning most of his selection headaches are concentrated further up the pitch.
In attack, the situation is far from straightforward. Yoane Wissa is fit enough to be involved, but his return from a three-month knee injury has been carefully managed. So far, his minutes have come from the bench, with Howe keen not to rush him back too quickly.
During Wissa’s absence, Nick Woltemade has carried the burden of leading the line, while Anthony Gordon has also been used centrally when needed. However, results have not followed when Gordon has started as the main striker, a statistic that cannot be ignored at this stage of the campaign.
Speaking after the Sunderland defeat, Howe was honest about where Wissa stands physically. He admitted that the forward is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes, but felt he handled his recent cameo well.
The decision over whether Wissa can start against Fulham will be made after further discussions with medical staff and the player himself. Howe’s priority is ensuring that whoever leads the line can carry out the tactical demands of the role without risking further injury.
Woltemade’s situation adds another layer of complexity. The German forward has been one of Newcastle’s most important attacking outlets since his club-record £65 million move from Stuttgart, scoring seven goals across all competitions. Yet his form has dipped in recent weeks.
He has found the net just twice in his last 13 appearances, often cutting a frustrated figure as service into him has dried up. The own goal at Sunderland, which proved decisive, was a cruel moment and summed up a difficult afternoon.
Howe was quick to defend his striker, stressing that Woltemade was simply trying to do his job by attacking the ball in the box. These things happen, and the manager is confident the player has the mentality to move on quickly.
Woltemade’s last goal at St James’ Park came against Tottenham in the previous round of the Carabao Cup, and the hope is that returning to a familiar stage under the lights can help reignite his confidence.
Elsewhere, changes are expected across the team. Burn’s injury means Fabian Schär is almost certain to start alongside Malick Thiaw in central defence, with a lack of alternatives making that decision straightforward.
At full-back, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are likely to retain their places, offering energy and width on both sides. In goal, Aaron Ramsdale could once again be handed the gloves if Pope is not deemed fit enough to start.
Midfield selection offers Howe a little more flexibility. Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey were unused substitutes at Sunderland, while Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes and Wissa all came off the bench.
With a quick turnaround ahead and Chelsea visiting St James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime, managing minutes will be crucial. Howe has to think not just about beating Fulham, but about maintaining competitiveness across a demanding run of fixtures.
Despite the challenges, the Carabao Cup remains a real opportunity for Newcastle. A strong performance and a positive result could lift the mood around the club and restore some belief after a flat derby display.
The atmosphere at St James’ Park under the lights has the power to galvanise this squad, but only if the players show the intensity and commitment that has been missing.
The biggest decision of the night will be who leads the line. Does Howe stick with Woltemade and back him to respond, or does he take a calculated risk by handing Wissa a start? It is a call that could define the match and, potentially, Newcastle’s cup run.
With confidence fragile and pressure building, Howe must choose wisely, knowing that another disappointing result could deepen the sense of unease ahead of a crucial clash with Chelsea just days later.
