'High-class' Newcastle United star to be axed by Eddie Howe with Liverpool decision key

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe arguably has just one selection dilemma into Sunday's Carabao Cup final: is it Nick Pope or Martin Dubravka in between the sticks?

“Difficult call,” Howe responded when quizzed over his stopper selection this week. “The goalkeeper situation has not been clear as both goalkeepers have been high-class."

One of those high-class stars Howe speaks of will find themselves axed come the weekend - but had this particular question been asked a mere few months ago, the answer would have been unanimous. It would be Pope, unquestionably, tasked with stopping Liverpool's superstar attackers at Wembley.

Yet a lot can change in a flash in football and with the London showpiece now just days away, there has been a groundswell of support for Dubravka to be handed the opportunity. You cannot say the Slovakian has not earned it.

Dubravka was part of Howe's starting XI as the Magpies enjoyed a nine-game winning run around the turn of the year and had been the No 1 of choice before Pope recently returned for league clashes with Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and West Ham United. However, even with a clean sheet under his belt earlier this week, the former Burnley stopper has looked shaky in recent games.

There has been lingering doubts over Pope's diving and positioning of late, while his distribution is a weak point of his game. Dubravka, in turn, has looked significantly more assured in recent months and has been a calming presence when found with the ball at his feet.

It was therefore a surprise to see the former Manchester United loanee dropped in recent Premier League games, before being recalled for the extra time defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup. That, to me, suggests Howe may have found his cup goalkeeper in Dubravka.

In truth, after keeping two clean sheets in the semi-final double header with Arsenal, the 36-year-old deserves to be on the team sheet come Sunday. Couple that with the fact Dubravka stayed put in January, despite lucrative interest in his services, and it strengthens the veteran's case even further.

Howe will, as ever, make the decision he feels will most benefit the team. If I was in his shoes I would be opting for the goalkeeper who have enjoyed the strongest period of form in recent weeks - and that is Dubravka.

“I always [select the best team to win the game],” Howe said when asked about Pope’s selection. “Players can always change your mind by how they train and how they play. Nick's played our last three Premier League games, but he played very well.”

"Everyone has to be ready. We need the whole squad focused on Sunday," Howe said this week. "You look for the best man for the job. You take form, training and everything into consideration. Tough calls to make.”

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