newcastle vs tottenham

Newcastle vs Tottenham: Carabao Cup Showdown at St James’ Park

The Carabao Cup fourth-round clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated midweek fixtures of the season. With both teams coming off strong Premier League form and battling for silverware early in the campaign, this knockout tie at St James’ Park promises drama, tactical intrigue, and high stakes.

For Australian football fans, this match offers more than just entertainment — it’s a showcase of top-tier English football, featuring global stars, rising talents, and the relentless intensity that defines the EFL Cup. Whether you're tuning in from Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, here’s everything you need to know about the Newcastle vs Tottenham showdown — from verified team news and kick-off details to predictions, history, and what’s at stake.

What’s Happening? The Key Facts You Can Trust

According to BBC Sport and ESPN Australia, the Carabao Cup fourth-round match between Newcastle and Tottenham will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at St James’ Park, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 PM local time (5:45 AM AEDT on Thursday, 30 October).

This is a single-elimination tie, meaning the winner advances to the quarter-finals — a crucial step toward Wembley and silverware. No replays. No second chances.

Both clubs are undefeated in their last two matches heading into this encounter, adding momentum to an already fiery rivalry. Newcastle, currently sitting 12th in the Premier League with 12 points from nine games (3 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses), are the defending Carabao Cup champions — a fact that adds extra weight to their campaign.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are third in the table with 17 points (5 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses), showing strong form under Thomas Frank — yes, that Thomas Frank, now at the helm after a summer of major squad overhauls.

As confirmed by Newcastle United’s official website, Eddie Howe is expected to rotate heavily, making eight changes to his starting XI. This is standard in the Carabao Cup, where squad depth and player management are key.

“We know the importance of the cup, but we also have to manage the physical load,” said Howe in a pre-match briefing. “This is a chance for others to step up and show what they can do.”

Recent Updates: Team News, Injuries, and Confirmed Lineups

Newcastle: Rotation Mode Activated

The Magpies are expected to field a heavily rotated side, with Howe giving opportunities to fringe players and younger talents. According to the club’s official update, eight changes are planned from their previous Premier League match.

While the exact lineup hasn’t been confirmed yet, unverified reports (via The Chronicle and Sky Sports) suggest:
- Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes could start on the wings, with Alexander Isak possibly rested.
- Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff may form the midfield pivot.
- Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are likely to start at full-back.
- Nick Pope could be replaced by Martin Dúbravka in goal.

One confirmed boost: Anthony Elanga, who missed recent games due to illness, has been recalled to the matchday squad and could feature — a potential game-changer given his pace and versatility.

Tottenham: Injury Woes Mount Ahead of Midweek Test

Spurs’ treatment room is starting to fill up. According to unverified but widely reported updates (via The Athletic, Football London, and Sky Sports), Archie Gray is the latest addition to the injury list, joining a growing group of sidelined stars.

Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are “close to returns” but not fit enough for this match — a blow to their backline. Micky van de Ven remains out with a hamstring issue.

However, rotation is expected here too. With a packed schedule, Frank is likely to rest key midfielders like Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison, giving starts to:
- Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall in central midfield
- Xavi Simons pushed out wide
- Lucas Bergvall playing in the No. 10 role
- Richarlison leading the line, replacing Randal Kolo Muani, who impressed against Everton but won’t start again

As one Spurs insider noted: “It’s not about resting players — it’s about using the full squad. This is where depth matters.”

“We respect Newcastle,” Frank said in a pre-match press conference. “They’re tough at home, especially in knockout football. But we’ve got quality all over the pitch — and we’re ready.”

Why This Match Matters: History, Rivalry, and Cup Pedigree

This isn’t just another cup tie — it’s a clash of two clubs with contrasting recent histories but shared ambition.

Newcastle: The Cup Specialists

Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have developed a reputation as Carabao Cup experts. They won the tournament in 2024, ending a 56-year domestic trophy drought — a moment that galvanised the club and its fanbase.

Since then, they’ve won five of their last six meetings against Tottenham, including a 3-1 victory at St James’ Park in April 2025. This dominance has turned them into something of a "bogey team" for Spurs, a psychological edge that could play a role on Wednesday night.

Their home form in cup competitions is also impressive: Newcastle are unbeaten in their last 11 EFL Cup home games, a streak dating back to 2023.

Tottenham: The Trophy Chasers

Tottenham, by contrast, haven’t lifted a major trophy since 2008 — a drought that has frustrated fans and pressured every manager since Mauricio Pochettino.

But under Thomas Frank, there’s a new energy. The summer brought in Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha, and Randal Kolo Muani, transforming Spurs into a more dynamic, aggressive side. The Carabao Cup is now seen as a realistic route to silverware, especially with Liverpool and Arsenal likely to prioritise the Champions League.

This match, then, is more than a fourth-round tie — it’s a test of Tottenham’s evolution. Can they beat a motivated, well-organised Newcastle side on their home turf? Can they finally break their hoodoo?

What’s Happening Now: Immediate Impact and Fan Reactions

Fan Engagement and Broadcast Details (AU Focus)

For Aussie fans, this match is accessible and easy to follow:
- Live on Paramount+ (Australia) — stream from 5:45 AM AEDT
- Highlights and clips on BBC Sport, ESPN Australia, and Optus Sport
- Live updates via The Guardian Live Blog, Sporting News, and Newcastle United’s official app

Social media buzz is growing. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #NEWvsTOT has already surpassed 10,000 mentions in 24 hours, with fans debating lineups, tactics, and potential upsets.

One Newcastle supporter wrote: “We’re the cup kings now. Spurs can bring their new signings — we’ve got belief, and St James’ Park.”

A Spurs fan countered: “This is our chance. We’ve got the depth, the quality, and the motivation. Time to break the curse.”

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