Eddie Howe knows there is a lot at stake for Newcastle United when they take on Arsenal in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
The Magpies are looking to reach the final of this competition for the second time in three seasons and potentially end their 70-year wait for silverware.
This is only their third appearance in the EFL Cup semi-final, but they have progressed to the final in each of the previous two matches (1975-76 against Tottenham and 2022-23 against Southampton).
Howe's side have won their last six games in all competitions, including victories over Aston Villa, Manchester United and Spurs, and their boss knows nothing other than that their best will be enough to extend that run against the Gunners.
He said: “This is an important match for us. We have to be at our very best.
“It's a high-level match with a lot at stake. We have to be very good on the ball and solid defensively, and we have to cause Arsenal problems in other ways.
“I don't think we need to think about it too much, we just need to get that mix right. Let's try to continue the good performances we have had recently to win the match.”
The semi-final of the Carabao Cup follows! pic.twitter.com/0ce0AW8SCu
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Striker Alexander Isak has backed Newcastle's run with a goal in seven of his last eight appearances, including all of his last four.
The Swede scored the winner against the Gunners at St James' Park when the teams met in the Premier League in November and is aiming to become the first Newcastle player since Laurent Robert in 2001-02 to score against them in two games in one season. .
Howe said: “Obviously he will be keen to score if you have a run of goal-scoring games like he does.
“The team creates for him, the team plays in a very good way for Alex and others. Alex plays his role in that by finishing them, but the team plays great and creates opportunities for him.”
Howe is also hopeful that Anthony Gordon, who scored the equalizer against Spurs on Saturday, will be fit for the match after being substituted in the second half following a facial injury.
The Newcastle boss said: “Anthony had a bit of discomfort, I would say. Just with the cut, which looked nasty.
“Looking back on the decision I thought it was a foul, I thought it was a clear penalty. He came away from that incident with blood on himself so we dusted him off.
“He went back on the field and performed really well for us. I thought he played a really good game, so we'll see how he is today.”
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