We've shown we can 'raise our game', says Howe ahead of Carabao Cup quarter-final

United take on Mauricio Pochettino's men in the last eight hoping to emulate last season's run in the competition, which ended in Howe's men making it to Wembley for their first major final in 24 years.

At Stamford Bridge in midweek, the Magpies could take a big step towards another final, having already seen off both Manchester City and Manchester United in their run to the quarter-final stage - but Howe is expecting a stern test at the hands of the Blues.

Here are some of the key talking points from Howe's pre-match media briefing on Monday morning:

On the challenge of facing Chelsea and his side's previous two wins in the competition this term...

"The two draws we had previously in this cup, they are as difficult as you can get. The beauty of those two games we have had has shown we can raise our game against top teams in this competition.

"We are determined to progress and create more memories. We know how difficult it will be, but we know the prize on offer."

On what kind of starting 11 he may go with in the capital...

"A manager, I think, will have several versions of his strongest team - I don't think there is one.

"It's always in the hands of the players, really, in terms of form and fitness and lots of different reasons, so we will pick a team we think will give us the best chance of winning."

On the Blues, who have shown signs of improvement under Pochettino...

"They are dangerous opponents for us - a very good team with a very good manager. Both teams will be equally motivated to do well.

"We will pick a team that will give us the best chance of winning. We desperately want to win."

On fit-again defender Sven Botman and the prospect of handing him a first start since September...

"He's rehabbed really well so we will have to make a decision on whether we want to start in this game.

"There are certain players that lift the team that little bit extra and Sven is one of those players. He's a big presence, he's a big guy and we missed his presence."

On the injury concerns in his squad ahead of the tie...

"Alex (Isak) has a problem with his groin - he had a scan last week, it is not a big problem. It is minor, probably more fatigue than anything. It is enough for us to need to monitor him and be careful with him - we don't want it to lead to anything longer.

"Both Joelinton and Fabian Schär will have scans today so we will know more. They don't appear to be too bad but I am reluctant to say too much before we have the scan results."

"That will be an ongoing process with Harvey (Barnes) - there is no update on that. He is hopeful of coming back within four to fivbe weeks, and that's the latest plan."

On his 100th game in charge of the club - a milestone he will reach on Tuesday night...

"I was surprised - it seems like it's absolutely flown by, as life tends to do when you get older. I've loved every second of it.

"When you look back on a group of games, (there are) so many highlights, memories... I'm very proud to have, hopefully tomorrow, done 100 games and been through that journey with the club really. It's been a really memorable time."