That’s a horrible question I don’t even want to contemplate | 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 Simon Ritter:

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

Better every day.

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

Trippier, for his calming influence in the opening few minutes, his assist and his all-round performance.

Burn, for ensuring the dominance we exerted in the first half was rewarded before the interval.

Isak, who yet again took a difficult chance and made it look easy.

Livramento, who kept Salah quiet and overlapped for our vital second goal.

Murphy, for the back-post header, outjumping Robertson to provide the assist.

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

Joelinton. His power, energy, defensive work and refusal to be beaten were out of this world.

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

Wednesday 2 April – Newcastle v Brentford win

Monday 7 April – Leicester v Newcastle win

Sunday 13 April – Newcastle v Man U win

Wednesday 16 April – Newcastle v Palace win

Saturday 19 April – Villa v Newcastle win

Saturday 26 April – Newcastle v Ipswich win

Sunday 4 May – Brighton v Newcastle draw

Saturday 10 May – Newcastle v Chelsea (TBC) win

Sunday 18 May – Arsenal v Newcastle (TBC) win

Sunday 25 May – Newcastle v Everton win

(ED: So that makes it nine wins, one draw and no defeats in the final 10 matches, which would see Newcastle United end the season on 75 points)

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

Liverpool

Arsenal

Newcastle United

Forest

Man City

Villa

Brighton

Chelsea

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?

It will be a massive boost, because it has ended the trophy drought and shown everyone, including our players, we can beat the best.

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?

That’s a horrible question I don’t want even to contemplate.

Simply for economic reasons, I would keep Eddie Howe and take no less than £150m for Isak.

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?

Move on, nothing to see there.

Perhaps if I was paid to spout rubbish, I would jump on board the punditry bandwagon, though I hope my self-respect would stop me.

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