You always ask a question that was baked in hell don’t you? | OneFootball

We have asked a number of Newcastle United fans some questions following the conclusion of the internationals.

This of course follows the triumph at Wembley and in advance of the return to action in the Premier League.

So we have asked some regular and irregular contributors to The Mag, some trophy winning and also aspiring to the Champions League questions.

Our thanks to all who have taken part.

Next up with his answers is Jamie Smith:

Three words that come to mind now, having won that League Cup Final against Liverpool at Wembley?

Seismic.

Relieved.

Happy.

Gun to the head, if only one of the two was to stay at Newcastle United this summer, would you keep Alexander Isak or Eddie Howe?

You always ask a question that was baked in hell don’t you?

The sensible answer is keep Howe and give him the vast Isak fee to build a super team, but the answer I’m actually giving is NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!

Which five players, in order, were key to that win at Wembley?

Joelinton, Burn, Tonali, Isak, Livramento

Which player most surprised you with how well he played in that final?

It’s harsh to say surprised in a way, as he’s a class act, but it’s been an up and down, in and out year or so for Kieran Trippier.

He was outstanding in the first half in particular and he’s one of many members of this team that I’m delighted has a winners medal to show for his time at Newcastle.

Predict the results for the final 10 NUFC matches, what you think will happen:

There’s an article I wrote a month or so ago, saying we needed eight wins based on past CL points totals and predicting we’d get them. Got two v Forest and West Ham and here’s how we’ll get the rest:

Wednesday 2 April – Newcastle v Brentford – Win (Carabao Cup atmosphere overwhelms opposition)

Monday 7 April – Leicester v Newcastle – Win

Sunday 13 April – Newcastle v Man U – who? Win

Wednesday 16 April – Newcastle v Palace Potential slip up here – Draw

Saturday 19 April – Villa v Newcastle – Win by three clear goals as we benefit for a second time from a hangover due to being knocked out of the Champions League by PSG

Saturday 26 April – Newcastle v Ipswich Win

Sunday 4 May – Brighton v Newcastle – we don’t seem to fancy it against these – Lose

Saturday 10 May – Newcastle v Chelsea (TBC) – Win

Sunday 18 May – Arsenal v Newcastle (TBC) – let’s s…house a draw here too

Sunday 25 May – Newcastle v Everton – Win to celebrate return to the CL

(ED: So that makes it seven wins, two draws and one defeat in the final 10 matches, which would see Newcastle United end the season on 70 points)

In what order do you think the top half of the Premier League table will finish?

Liverpool

Arsenal

Forest

Newcastle United

Man City

Chelsea

Brighton

Villa

Bournemouth

Fulham

Do you think winning the Carabao Cup will now help or hinder Newcastle’s chances of top five and a Champions League place?

Help, massively.

I’ve said above that the Brentford game should have a fired up atmosphere, lit by the presence of the cup.

The belief and lift it’s given, coupled with a decent run in, should keep the team firing to achieve their second big goal of the season.

The bizarre John Barnes reaction to Newcastle United winning the League Cup Final, was to declare that if losing the final 10 Premier League matches, Eddie Howe should be sacked. What is your reaction to what Barnes said?

For someone that spent a couple of years here, he seems totally out of touch with how huge winning an actual cup is. Eddie has earned another couple of seasons and that’s before we secure the Champions League spot we’re getting.

Who are the eight current Newcastle United players, in order, who Newcastle United most need to keep for next season?

Isak is clear by miles. Get him on a long contract and build a team around him.

Then Tonali, cool as and world class

I’m going to put Lewis Hall third as he’s going to be the best left back in the country for a long time to come.

Botman next, hoping his fitness problems are now over

Anthony Gordon, who seems to be getting underrated this season.

Bruno, growing into his role as captain fantastic

Joelinton, fresh from his colossal performance in the cup final

For the last one, my heart wants to say Dan Burn, especially as he’s there if Botman breaks down again, but the smarter answer is Livramento.