Reporter Alex Crook has claimed on the TalkSPORT GameDay podcast that Newcastle United’s lack of goals could cost them in the Carabao Cup final.

The Lowdown: Lack of goals will be worrying

Prior to the World Cup, Newcastle were flying high and sitting third in the Premier League table after putting teams to the sword, winning by three or more goals on four occasions.

However, their form has dipped slightly as they’ve drawn four out of their last five Premier League matches, although that has seen them extend their run to 17 games unbeaten in the league.

This lack of firepower in the final third will be a worry not only for their top-four hopes, but also ahead of their cup final on Sunday week against Manchester United and a lack of clinical edge could prove to be costly.

The Latest: Newcastle could be punished at Wembley

Crook believes that unless Newcastle find their goalscoring boots prior to their trip to Wembley, the Magpies could miss out on their first piece of silverware since 1969.

He said: “You’re right to point out the fact they’re struggling to win games despite the unbeaten run. They’re struggling for goals as well, Callum Wilson missing the [Bournemouth] game with a minor hamstring injury; Alexander Isak’s only scored one now in his last seven.

“And you have to go back to November 6th – since then, Newcastle have only scored more than one goal in a single Premier League game on one occasion.

“I think it’s a problem, and I think it’s a problem that could cost them their place in the top four and could cost them that cup final.”

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The Verdict: Howe will be keen to address attacking woes

If Newcastle do continue to struggle in the final third and keep missing big chances – speaking of which, three of their players are inside the top 20 in the league this term – it could yet be a long and potentially disappointing day out at Wembley for the Magpies.

Newcastle’s journey to the Carabao Cup final may well have suggested this was always going to be the case as they squeezed past Tranmere Rovers, before requiring penalties against Crystal Palace and an own goal from Adam Smith to edge them past Bournemouth.

Howe will be hoping that players such as Wilson and Isak can start to show some form in the final third and that chances will be easier to come by once Bruno Guimaraes comes back into the side. The Brazilian ranks third for key passes and second for passes into the penalty area and progressive passes (FBref), which shows how key he is to getting the ball forward and into dangerous positions.

Alternatively, perhaps the players have an eye on their clash against Manchester United already and it will be a case of turning up for the big occasion. Howe will certainly be hoping their form doesn’t suffer too much ahead of the final.