We know the importance – Lloyd Kelly | OneFootball

Lloyd Kelly got a rare start in central defence on Wednesday night.

The 26 year old part of a starting eleven who competed really well AND this time made the most of their attacking play, scoring more than once in a game for the first time since Wolves away on 15 September.

From what I have seen for both Bournemouth and Newcastle, Lloyd Kelly looks far better and more comfortable in the middle of defence. Though having said that, he continued his very good performance against Chelsea when he moved to left-back after Hall was replaced by Burn with 72 minutes on the clock.

Interesting to see what Eddie Howe does with his Newcastle team v Arsenal, especially in defence.

Nobody can complain about the Carabao Cup draw that followed Wednesday’s win, Newcastle United heading for a two-legged semi-final if they can beat Brentford at home.

Lloyd Kelly may have only been at Newcastle United a few months, however, he is well aware of that need/desperation to end the club’s trophy drought…

With the win over Chelsea seeing Newcastle United reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for a third time in a row under Eddie Howe, BBC Newcastle have asked Lloyd Kelly how important it is for United progress in the competition:

“It is huge [to progress in the competition].

“When you look at the history of Newcastle, it has been a long time since the club has been able to achieve something domestically, so we know the importance behind it, but at the same time we are not getting too ahead of ourselves.

“We are keeping focused, doing what we need to do and of course when that game comes, we’ll be ready for it.”

Lloyd Kelly asked about Newcastle facing Arsenal next on Saturday in the Premier League:

“We need to make sure that we are on our best game, focused and ready, because we know what they bring.

“It is going to be another tough game but we will prepare right, give our best and see what happens.”

Full Carabao Cup fourth round draw

Spurs v Man U

Arsenal v Palace

Newcastle United v Brentford

Southampton v Liverpool

Newcastle United upcoming matches confirmed to end of January 2025:

Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Monday 25 November – Newcastle v West Ham (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 30 November – Crystal Palace v Newcastle

Wednesday 4 December – Newcastle v Liverpool (7.30pm) Amazon

Saturday 7 December – Brentford v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 14 December – Newcastle v Leicester (3pm)

W/C Monday 16 December – Newcastle v Brentford – Carabao Cup Quarter-Final

Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)