Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will look to return to his tried and trusted lineup which saw his side bring in some positive results earlier in the season.

Who is missing for Newcastle's cup final?

The Toon have been handed a number of setbacks ahead of their trip to Wembley on the weekend for their Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

Mainly, the suspension of Nick Pope will be the obvious setback which will concern some fans and there are still some worries over whether Joe Willock will be fit enough to play.

And speaking on The Magpie Channel TV YouTube account, Keith Downie has suggested Howe will be hoping to see the likes of Willock return straight to the starting XI:

(13:30) "In terms of formation, or in terms of selection, I expect them to try and go back to the tried and tested sort of before Christmas. I think he'll want to play Joelinton as one of the front three. With Joe Willock in midfield if he makes it. I think that's what he'll try and do."

Who will start for Newcastle in the cup final?

As Downie alluded to, results of late have not gone in Newcastle's favour with no win in the Premier League since 15 January which came in dramatic style against Fulham.

And as a result, it does seem as if something may have to be changed if the Toon are to put up a fight against a United side who are flying high in all competitions.

However, their two most recent victories came in the Carabao Cup against Southampton when Howe had more players available for selection.

It is this side that Downie feels Howe will be hoping to return to with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes set to return to the fold having served his three-game suspension.

But a lot of this will rely on whether Willock is fit enough to return to the starting XI which could allow Joelinton to play in his more advanced role at left-wing.

And that is a position which has worked well for the Brazilian who has provided Newcastle with a return of two goals and an assist from there in his last three Carabao Cup games.

It has been a difficult run of games of Newcastle since securing their spot in the final and having the likes of Willock and Guimaraes will have played a big role in that.

However, if they are able to find their feet again at Wembley, the recent results will be the last thing Newcastle fans will be thinking of with a long-standing trophy drought there to be ended on Sunday.