The Magpies face the Blues for the second time in the space of four days, following Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge - a game which Gordon missed with a groin problem.

A place in the quarter-finals is up for grabs in midweek and head coach Howe is hopeful the England international may be able to return to the United squad for Wednesday's last 16 tie, having undergone a scan earlier in the week.

Howe is hoping his charges can turn their frustration from Sunday's setback into "positive energy" to help them progress in the competition, and he spoke to the media ahead of the contest. Here are some of the main talking points from his pre-match media briefing:

On Gordon's fitness...

"He has been for a scan. We are hopeful the injury isn't serious. Let's see how he is today.

"It was in training on Friday - nothing serious, sometimes you get these things from time to time. There is a chance he could make Wednesday, but we have to make the right decision."

On the quick turnaround following Sunday's game...

"Always with these spells of games, you want more to come. There is frustration from Sunday on what could have been. That frustration we need to turn into positive energy. We are at home and want to make it a real occasion if we can."

On the importance of the Carabao Cup...

"It has been an important competition for us since we have been here and that has not changed. We will pick a team to win the game.

"Chelsea are a difficult opponent, I am sure they will make changes, but with those changes they will still be a very strong team. We are desperate to progress."

On Lewis Miley, who recently returned from injury, and his prospects of making a first appearance of the season...

"He does (come into my thoughts), albeit we have to be really careful with Lewis. We need to manage him right.

"He trained well - no problem with his training performances. He was probably involved on the bench against Brighton ahead of time.

"I will be taking guidance by the experts to make sure we don't push him too early."

On opponents Chelsea...

"This is one game where they could make wholesale changes or one or two changes - we don't know what they will do.

"We need to plan for what we will do. We know there are certain aspects of our performance that we need to get right to win, and that will be our focus."