Eddie Howe drops Newcastle United fitness hint on Sandro Tonali & four others v Bradford City
Eddie Howe has hinted at five Newcastle United players being rested for the Carabao Cup tie against Bradford City.
Eddie Howe has vowed to name a “strong” starting XI for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against third-tier Bradford City.
But there will inevitably be changes with the Magpies midway through a busy period of seven matches in 21 days.
Howe made seven changes to his line-up for Sunday’s goalless draw away to AFC Bournemouth, having less than 72 hours earlier lost 2-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League.
A similar number of changes is expected for the visit of Bradford, as United get their Carabao Cup defence underway at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe on making changes to his Newcastle United line-up
Howe said: “As I said after Bournemouth, I think we have a strong squad and I think the rotations that we made in the games are a reflection of that.
“I think two years ago we got to the stage where we couldn't rotate anybody because we obviously had a lot of injuries and I think we're just trying to navigate the situation better if we can this time around. But we still want to win games and we still have to win games.
“We've still got to be competitive and I thought the team we picked against Bournemouth was a very strong team and I thought we performed strongly, albeit without a real goal threat.”
Eddie Howe drops Newcastle United selection hint
Howe rarely gives anything away when it comes to team selection, though he did strongly hint at four players that are unlikely to feature against the Bantams.
The Newcastle boss admitted he would look to rest the players who played consecutively against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Barcelona and Bournemouth last week.
Nick Pope, Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento and Dan Burn were the only players to start all three matches.
Howe said: “Well, there'll be an element of rotation again. Yes, I mean, the guys who have played three games last week, we might look to give them a rest. But I think we want to pick a strong team.
“We want to try and progress, so I've got to get the balance right. And also you don't want players to lose rhythm. That's really important too.”
Newcastle United club-record signing Nick Woltemade unlikely to start v Bradford City
Club-record signing Nick Woltemade is another player who is expected to be rested, having started two of the three games last week. Will Osula is likely to lead the attack.
Howe said: “I think Nick's made a really strong start. I think Nick will improve the fitter he gets. Firstly. I think that's a huge thing he's come to us with obviously not being used to the demands of Premier League football. And this league is relentless physically. And of course, our schedule is relentless. So in terms of us doing physical work with him, that's very, very difficult.
“A lot of what we're going to be doing with him in the short term is to try and keep him fit by not putting him in dangerous positions in terms of playing 90 minutes, consecutive 90 minutes too early. But fitness will be an issue because the Premier League is different, as I said.
“So I think that's the biggest thing for him. And I think once he gets fitter, you'll see an even better product.”
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe wary of Bradford City
Whatever the line-up, Howe will be naming one capable of beating Bradford City, who are top of League One following the opening eight matches.
Howe said: “Yeah, very good, very strong. I've watched them in depth as I do every opponent, and full of credit and praise for how they're playing. They've got a unique style, and it's working for them.
“I think Graeme's done an absolutely outstanding job. Obviously, someone I know well, having managed him myself, and it's great to see him going into management in the way that he has done. He's now very experienced. He's got over 500 games under his belt, and he's doing very, very well.
“Knowing him, as I do, how conscientious and hard-working he is, I know that he'll have done his work on us as well. So, you can expect two very well-organised teams.
“But they've got clear strength. They're playing with confidence. Physically, a very good team. Anyone who's winning games regularly on top of their league is going to be a threat. So, we'll pick a strong team.”