Newcastle United take on Preston North End in the last 16 of the competition on Tuesday.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie has told the Chronicle that they are determined to go far in the EFL Cup this season.
The Magpies take on fellow Championship team Preston North End on the last sixteen of the competition on Tuesday.
They have a woeful record in the competition, having never won the competition in the entirety of their history.
Rafa Benitez’s team head into this clash in confident mood, though, currently sitting top of the Championship table and on a run of five straight wins.
Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s third goal
While promotion to the Premier League is their main focus this season, Ritchie insists they are determined to do well in this competition also.
“All our games are big,” he told the Chronicle.
“Obviously the league is a priority, but we want to go as far as we can in the cup competitions as well, and we’ve got the squad to do that.”
“I’m really looking forward to that. We’d go into the last eight if we win against Preston, so it’s a great opportunity for us.”
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
It will be interesting to see what team that Rafa Benitez goes with in this game given their league priorities.
He has used a continual rotation policy this season and it is likely they will this game could see some of the periphery players get their chance to impress.
They will face a tough fight against Simon Grayson’s team who currently sit ninth in the table after their win over Norwich City over the weekend.
Preston manager Simon Grayson celebrates at full time
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