NEWCASTLE UNITED will be looking to seal their passage to the EFL Cup final when they reconvene with Southampton at St James' Park on Tuesday night.
The Magpies took a huge step towards reaching next month's Wembley showpiece by earning a 1-0 win at Southampton last midweek, with Eddie Howe's men justifying my faith in them to land a first leg lead.
That St Mary's success was further proof of the progress Newcastle have made under Howe's tutorship since his appointment just 14 months ago.
With no FA Cup commitments to contend with last weekend, the Toon should be the fresher of the two teams heading into Tuesday's return match.
Southampton, by contrast, were in FA Cup action at the weekend, as they secured a narrow 2-1 win over English Championship strugglers Blackpool.
Nathan Jones' side will now swiftly turn their attention to Tuesday's second leg at St James' as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
Outright Betting
Newcastle, who have already beaten Southampton twice this season, are short priced 4/9 favourites to triumph on Tuesday night.
Despite winning each of their last two away matches, Southampton head north as big outsiders at 7/1 (Betfred) while the 90 minute draw can be backed at 18/5 (UniBet).
Betting Angles
Newcastle are too short to side with at the aforementioned quote but backing the hosts to overcome a -1 hurdle on the Asian Handicap at 83/100 (Bet 365) looks like a tempting boost in price.
This selection means if Newcastle prevail by two or more goals we will be paid out, if they win by a solitary strike then stakes are returned.
Eddie Howe has turned St James' Park into a fortress since taking the reins, with the Magpies avoiding defeat in 14 outings at home this term, not to mention they haven't lost in front of their own supporters since April.
It's also worth pointing out that Newcastle have hit the back of the net at least once in 19 of their 22 league games under Howe's watch, which doesn't bode well for a Southampton side who have been leaking goals all season.
Nathan Jones' side have failed to keep the back door shut in 19 of their 20 Premier League games this season, and their backline has also been breached in both of their FA Cup outings this month.
With all that in mind, coupled with the fact the EFL Cup represents a terrific opportunity for Newcastle to bring their long wait for silverware to an end, backing the home team with a -1 start on the Asian Handicap holds appeal at 83/100 (Bet 365).
Given what's at stake, as well as the fact that last week's first leg was a rather fiery encounter, I'll also have a speculative punt on Newcastle Sean Longstaff to pick up a card at 10/1 (Bet 365).
Admittedly, the Magpies man is not exactly renowned for being card magnet, but he should find himself in the thick of midfield battle here, and he therefore looks worth backing for a booking at a bold price.
This EFL Cup match between Newcastle United and Southampton will be played on Jan 31, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Newcastle United vs Southampton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
