Eddie Howe calls upon the Newcastle United fans ahead of massive Carabao Cup tie at St James' Park
Newcastle United host Manchester City in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tonight, live on ITV and Sky Sports. Kick-off is at 8 pm.
The return leg is in three weeks' time and to really stand any chance of progression, Newcastle really need to make their home advantage count tonight.
Newcastle's record at the Etihad is, quite frankly, stinking. We haven't won on that ground since Manchester City made it their home, and under Eddie Howe, we have lost the last five games, conceding 14 goals without reply.
It's safe to say that we will have our work cut out for us next month. But if we can win tonight and then simply hold them to a goalless draw next month, that's "all" we need to do.
Eddie Howe labels the importance of the crowd ahead of tonight's match
Writing in the programme notes for tonight's game, Eddie Howe spoke about the spirit that got them through the games against Leeds and Bournemouth, but closed off with a thank you and a plea to the fans who will be at St James' Park tonight.
"Thank you for once again staying with us against Bournemouth and creating the environment in which we could find a way to win. We will need just as much support tonight as we aim to take a step closer to returning to Wembley and achieving more success in a competition we love so much."
We're sure the atmosphere tonight is going to be absolutely bouncing, given that we're just one more step away from a return to Wembley.
Newcastle have four days off after tonight. That's like a month in Newcastle United years
Manchester City, like Newcastle, are missing several players in defence, so if Newcastle can be the best version of themselves, they can grab a win here tonight.
All we can ask is that every player selected tonight leaves everything out there on the pitch.
Our next game after tonight is against Wolves on Sunday. That's practically a holiday for our lads lately, so there's no excuse not to give it all tonight.
