EDDIE Howe's Newcastle United have been the talk of the town this week after their thrilling 3-3 draw with Manchester City showed the newly rich North East outfit could be serious contenders in the Premier League this season.

But when it comes to cup football, Tranmere have pedigree with famous wins over Everton, Southampton and Sunderland all cherished by the Super White Army. 

The League Two side will be hoping to cause a huge upset tonight at Prenton Park with Howe knowing a long cup run could seal his reputation with the success-starved Geordies. 

The Magpies boss has big changes to make with Callum Wilson, Dan Burn and Ryan Fraser all missing the second round Carabao Cup tie through injury.

“I want to see a team that wants to win every game we compete in," said Howe. "Every competition is treated with the same importance and I hope that’s reflected in our performance.

“I’ve made it very clear to the players in that respect.”

Howe's history as manager of Bournemouth means he knows what it takes to cause an upset.

“I’ve been on the other side of it many times and we always looked at the cup competitions as a great experience for our players and a great opportunity to impress, putting your wits against the best," he said.

“It was always an exciting proposition and that is why we cannot underestimate the task we have. It’s a difficult place to go, I’ve been there many times, and Micky (Mellon) is an outstandingly, experienced manager so he is going to have his game plan and how to upset us.

“I think it’s in your preparation and making sure your standards don’t drop. We’ll prepare for Tranmere like we did for Manchester City and hopefully they see that detail we’re going into.

“I don’t think there is a list of priorities. I don’t sit down and write those things. The next game is always the most important. Wolves wait until this game is finished."

 

 

 

“At the moment, everything is about Tranmere and we’ll go there to give our best performance.”