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I handed Eddie Howe a bottle of water before our cup final preview interview last week and he asked jokingly if the bottle had vodka in it.

Of course, it was said with a smile from the Newcastle boss, and our subsequent interview underlined he was already looking forward positively, but he must have been hoping for something a little stronger than water to deal with a manic three days that saw him lose three of his best players to injury and suspension.

Anthony Gordon's FA Cup straight red card meant that he would miss the next three games - including Sunday's Carabao Cup Final against his boyhood club, Liverpool.

It was a hammer blow to Newcastle, as Gordon is a match-winner and was a nailed-on starter for Wembley.

Three of the best players, all ruled out within a damaging 72 hours.

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And you could see that in the celebrations on the final whistle.

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This decision will split the Newcastle fans, but I feel that Pope's physical stature will get him the nod at Wembley despite only recently returning from injury.

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I cannot make my mind up on how Howe will go on this.

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But last week's loss of Gordon, Hall and Botman - all three left-siders - was costly.

What does this final mean for the city in comparison to two years ago?

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