Though it may feel the momentum has shifted towards Manchester United ahead of Carabao Cup final day, there are still reasons for Newcastle United to be optimistic as they chase a first trophy since 1969.
The suspension of goalkeeper Nick Pope and a Premier League run of two points from nine is admittedly far from the ideal preparation but Sportsmail takes an opposite view for the following reasons...
Toon Army set for Wembley pilgrimage
Officially, there will be 30,000 Newcastle fans travelling the 280 miles south to Wembley.