A strike by Joelinton gave Newcastle the winner last time out when they faced Southampton in the first leg of the EFL Cup semis as the Magpies aim to meet Nottingham Forest or Manchester United most likely the latter in the finals of the competition. The most recent Premier League contest that Newcastle has played was against Crystal Palace and it ended in a barren draw. They struggled to make their dominance count in the first leg of the EFL semis and even Joelinton in particular was guilty of an atrocious miss but the Brazilian finally converted Alexander Isak's low cross into a goal in the 73rd minute, a goal that proved to be the determiner in the game. They, therefore, enter tonight's fixture with one foot firmly in the finals where Manchester United lie in wait for them after crashing Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the first leg of the competition. 

Newcastle are now staring at the possibility of winning a title with the last silverware they acquired being the 1954-55 FA Cup triumph. They could also reach a domestic cup final for the first time since the 1998-99 FA Cup which ended in a defeat to Manchester United. The last time that Newcastle reached the EFL Cup final was in 1976 and should they finish the job tonight they will be looking at ending a drought of 47 years. They have put up a run of eight consecutive clean sheets at home which makes them the ultimate favourites in tonight's game. 

In contrast, there were no clean sheets to be kept when Southampton sealed a narrow 2-1 victory over Blackpool during the weekend in the FA Cup fourth round. Left-back Romain Perraud netted a brace to seal victory for Southampton and survive a draw after Arsenal loanee to Blackpool Charlie Patino had canceled out his earlier goal. Southampton, however, have kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 games in all tournaments and they will be traveling to St. James' Park tonight in hope rather than expectations. It is worth noting that the only clean sheet, however, in their last 15 games has come against Manchester City in the EFL Cup. 

Since the beginning of the year, the Saints have recorded away victories against Everton and Crystal Palace and are also unbeaten in their last six fixtures played out with Newcastle at St James' Park although they can not afford to dream of a Wembley final too early as they are meeting a more charged up as a well as a more strategic and confident Newcastle tonight. 

(Image: Khel now)