Ahead of Newcastle United’s second attempt at winning a League Cup Final in three seasons, Eddie Howe has a decision to make. Who to start in goal at Wembley will be one of many thoughts at the forefront of his mind.

Having recently welcomed back Nick Pope from injury, the Magpies able deputy, Martin Dubravka, has dropped to the bench. However, it has sparked a big debate on Tyneside over who should don the gloves in the build up to the big Wembley showpiece.

Who is the Actual Number One

To put matter into black and white in terms of shirt number, the number one is Martin Dubravka. But since his arrival from Burnley in 2022, Nick Pope has undoubtedly been Eddie Howe’s preferred starting shot stopper.

However, after suffering a severe shoulder dislocation that required surgery at the end of 2023, the Slovakian international stepped up once more. More recently, Pope injured his knee in December and only recently returned to once again dislodge Dubravka.

The view of many Geordies was that it was unfair and wrong of Eddie Howe to drop the Slovakian this time around so unexpectedly. Especially after a run in the team which saw him perform steadily and not let the side down.

Pope was reinstalled to the starting 11 for the home match against Nottingham Forest. His decision was scrutinised even further after Pope’s extremely suspect positioning for Forest’s long range opener.

Greek number one Odysseas Vlachodimos has made a handful of cup appearances, while John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are practically on a watching brief. When times have been particularly tough, the toon have even been known to name multiple of them as substitutes at once.

Question Marks Ahead of the Cup Final Again

Having a selection dilemma over goalkeepers is not a new experience for the Newcastle coaching staff. In fact it probably feels like Groundhog Day for Eddie Howe.

In the lead-up to the 2023 Carabao Cup final, his plans were ripped up, but for very different reasons this time around. A red card to Nick Pope ruled him out of the final, while his next in line, Dubravka, was cup tied after a loan spell at Manchester United.

To throw an extra element of lunacy into the situation, the Slovak was the recipient of a winners medal when the Red Devils eventually went on to lift the trophy having featured in two earlier rounds.

Eventually it was Loris Karius who was given the nod between the sticks, handed his Newcastle debut in the clubs biggest match arguably for decades. A less chaotic build up to this seasons final wouldn’t go amiss as far as the Magpies are concerned.

After the complexity of the situation last time Newcastle went to Wembley, this latest fifty/fifty choice might even feel like a walk in the park for Howe.

Problems Between the Post’s Fuel Trafford Link

While the battle for the starting berth rumbles on, the long running transfer saga involving James Trafford continues to linger in the back drop. The Burnley goalkeeper will surely have many admirers in the summer, but his link to St James’ is refusing to go quiet.

In his regular column for the Daily Mail, North East journalist Craig Hope revealed that the deal is very likely to reach a conclusion this summer. With an overabundance of goalkeepers currently in the Newcastle ranks, there is almost certainly going to be multiple outgoings when the season concludes.

Why Trafford is Attracting Interest

Trafford has been an ever present in the Clarets team that boasts the extraordinary defensive record headed for uncharted territory. After 34 games played in the Championship season, Burnley have only conceded nine goals.

The partnership he has managed to strike up with centre back pairing Maxime Estève and CJ Egan Riley looks set to enter English football’s record books.

With no obvious first choice, and Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) to navigate, they may be tempted to cash in on some of under contract goalkeepers. It is suggested that Trafford has been identified as a key target, and is seen as a potential long term replacement.

Newcastle’s interest may have ramped up even further following the 22-year old’s penalty saving exploits against Sunderland recently. His unflappable preparation followed by his athleticism to keep out two penalties from the same player showcased his much talked about ability.

With 36-year-old Dubravka regularly linked to the Saudi Pro League and Pope struggling to nail down a start, Newcastle’s pursuit of a definitive number one is set to gather pace in the coming months.