Miserly Magpies to finish the job and claim Wembley ticket

Newcastle have not featured in the League Cup final since 1976, but they can soon put that right, and building on their 1-0 lead from the first leg of their semi-final against Southampton should be a matter of routine.

There have been a few stumbles against Leeds and Crystal Palace recently, but a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday has been the only time they have conceded a goal since the World Cup break.

United have not been beaten in 13 home matches this season and it is difficult to see Southampton turning it around, especially as the first leg could have been a more comprehensive victory for Newcastle.

There have been encouraging signs from the Saints with a victory over

Manchester City in the previous round, but while they won their last away match at fellow strugglers Everton, it is difficult to see them stopping a resolute Newcastle easing their way to Wembley. STAT Newcastle have kept a clean sheet in eight of their last nine league and cup matches

Newcastle to win to sssssnil

[IW]