It's Carabao Cup semi-final day and despite Eddie Howe's team all but picking itself of late, the Newcastle United boss has decisions to make for the second leg with Arsenal.

The Magpies take a 2-0 lead into the reverse fixture but may have to try and book their place at Wembley without midfield enforcer Joelinton. The Brazilian is a doubt for the clash after suffering a knee injury in the defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

But who should Howe opt for? We asked our Chronicle Live team to deliver their verdict on the NUFC starting XI.

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Lee Ryder

Eddie Howe's team probably picks itself in many ways as we know that the front three can be lethal on their day. The question mark is who would replace Joelinton in the engine room?

For me, I'd opt for Sean Longstaff because he has that big game experience and can do some of the unglamorous stuff in the middle. Longstaff's experience of the semis last time out - when he scored twice against the Saints - could also put him in a good place.

The legs of Lewis Miley and energy of Joe Willock could come in useful later in the night.

Despite a mixed defensive display I'd still stick with Schar and Burn in the middle.

Starting XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Longstaff, Bruno, Tonali, Gordon, Murphy, Isak.

Ciaran Kelly

Although Newcastle have conceded seven goals in their last three games, I would resist making a change between the sticks. I don't think you can actually lay the blame at Martin Dubravka's door for any of the goals and the 'keeper's distribution and ability to control the ball with his feet will be invaluable in a game like this.

I would bring Sven Botman back into the side, though, while Sean Longstaff gets the nod in midfield if Joelinton ends up being ruled out. Newcastle would miss Joelinton's tenacity without the ball, but Longstaff quietly impressed when Newcastle defeated Arsenal at St James' a few months ago. That was an afternoon when Eddie Howe said the Geordie's tactical understanding was 'second to none' and those qualities will be needed again.

Startling XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Longstaff, Bruno, Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Aaron Stokes

There's only a few particular positions I feel we can debate heading into the second leg. United's front three picks itself, along with two of the three stars in Howe's midfield. I'd also be tempted to keep the same full-backs as recent weeks, while Martin Dubravka also stays between the sticks.

As for changes, I'd bring Sven Botman back in for Fabian Schar given how well he performed in the first leg and due to the fact he needs game time to get him fully up to speed once again on Tyneside. In midfield, with Joelinton a doubt, it's anyone's guess who will replace him.

I think I'd take a slight gamble and throw Joe Willock in from the outset. The former Arsenal star should be up for this one and he needs a proper chance to turn his recent fortunes around. He probably won't do that with brief cameo appearances from the bench like we've seen of late.

Give the attacking midfielder a chance to find his form once more and if it's not working, call on Sean Longstaff or Lewis Miley from the bench.

Starting XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Bruno, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Andrew Musgrove

It all depends on Joelinton and whether the Brazilian is passed fit. It would be a huge blow if he wasn't. I think Eddie Howe in that case would turn to Sean Longstaff but for me, I would pick Lewis Miley. It's telling that Longstaff hasn't got off the bench of late, and to throw him into such a huge came out of the cold would be a risk.

The rest of the team picks itself. I know Howe has options - and one big call to make when it comes to his goalkeeper but for me Martin Dubravka keeps his spot and the rest of the backline remains the same too.

Stuart Jamieson

It's tempting to turn to experience in these situations, with Sean Longstaff the safe choice should Joelinton be ruled out of tonight's match. However, I would go for Lewis Miley to fill the Brazilian's boots in the United engine room. Newcastle have been understandably cautious on his return, especially given the sheer amount of football he played last season, but he's the future and this is a massive opportunity.

Elsewhere, I would resist calls to bring Kieran Trippier in ahead of Tino Livramento. I remain a huge fan of Trippier, but while you may get fluctuations in form with youngsters, dropping Livramento will not benefit anyone. However, I would bring back Sven Botman and Nick Pope. Whatever happens, Howe should not have his best goalkeeper and best defender on the bench. Martin Dubravka, clearly, and Fabian Schar the men to make way.

Startling XI: Pope, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Guimaraes, Miley, Murphy, Gordon, Isak.

Ross Gregory

This is the one game in recent weeks where picking a starting XI is so hard to call. Eddie Howe's teams have been fairly easy to predict, but this one could go in a number of directions. Howe likes to keep a settled team, understandably, but this feels to me like the time to ring the changes after two woeful home performances on the bounce.

Nick Pope starts in my team. He's better than Dubravka and while he may be a bit rusty, I'd have him in. Kieran Trippier is a tricky one - go for his experience and quality on the ball ('control', as Howe called it) or have the pace and energy of Tino Livramento? And what about centre-back? Does Sven Botman start and if so, in place of who? So many questions.

I can't see Joelinton being fit and while there are a number of options, Joe Willock is the natural replacement on that left side, up against his old team and with a point to prove after the scandalous abuse he received at the weekend.

Starting XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Hall, Bruno, Tonali, Willock, Murphy, Isak, Gordon

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