Many Newcastle United supporters have already booked their Wembley hotel after drawing Southampton in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. A two-legged tie against the side sitting rock bottom of the Premier League is all that stands between the Magpies and a first cup final since 1999.
The Saints shocked tournament favourites Manchester City 2-0 to advance to the next stage, with goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo. Newcastle will travel to St Mary’s for the first leg, where they claimed a convincing 4-1 win in November.
Travel and accommodation prices in London will likely skyrocket should United book their place at Wembley on February 26. The only time Newcastle have played at the newer ground - which opened in 2007 - was when Tottenham Hotspur used the venue as their temporary home in 2017-18.
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While some are understandably getting carried away, others are slightly more measured in their outlook. Southampton, despite sitting 20th in the league, have won back-to-back games under recently-appointed Nathan Jones.
Complacency could be the Magpies’ biggest enemy heading into a semi-final tie they enter as overwhelming favourites. This is how Toon fans reacted to the draw on social media.
@StephenLightley: "Every other team is panicking in case we win a trophy and it’s glorious. Moan at Man City for buying success then throw the same accusation at us." #nufc
@BrunosBuddy39: "I might be jumping the gun but I’m feeling confident. Just booked a hotel for Wembley before the prices skyrocket."
RBOTT_: "Important that we respect Southampton and don’t take progression to the final as a given. They made Manchester City look distinctly average last night. It’s going to be two very, very difficult games. We’ve got enough to come through it. But no time for complacency."
@antmurph: "We couldn’t have asked for a better semi final draw. Fingers crossed we are Wembley bound come on the Toon."
@JakeJackmann: "It’ll be a tough two games against Southampton. One of the few teams that can match our running and intensity."
@YanisNUFC: "SJP is going to be absolutely bouncing for the 2nd leg, a huge chance for us to get to Wembley!"
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