Early team news: Howe makes decision on Isak, Wilson and ASM ahead of semi-final vs Southampton

Eddie Howe looks set to name an unchanged side for tonight's titanic Carabao Cup semi-final on Tyneside.

Ahead of the 8pm kick off at St James' Park, we've been told that Callum Wilson will keep his place up top against a Southampton side looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

That means Alexander Isak will be on the bench once again alongside Allan Saint-Maximin, with Howe opting to go with the starting 11 that played the majority of last week's first leg at St Mary's.

Expected Newcastle United XI: Pope - Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn - Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock - Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.

Both Isak and Saint-Maximin helped change the game last Tuesday, but the boss will keep faith in Wilson; who he's backing to get back amongst the goals after shaking off a period of illness that saw him miss several training sessions this month.

It seems Howe will also stand by Joe Willock, who was guilty of missing a few big chances last week, with the defence and goalkeeper remaining unchanged - no surprise after our incredible run of clean sheets.

Howay the lads!