Howe’s players put in a huge physical effort to hold Premier League champions Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies’ head coach will use the Wimbledon fixture as an opportunity to hand minutes to players who haven’t featured much of late. That said, Howe insists he will name a “very strong” team.
“Yeah, I think we will see it as an opportunity to get game time for those that maybe haven't played,” said Howe. “But in saying that we'll still pick a very strong team. And ultimately, of course, we need to pick a team that we think can take us through to the next round.
“This is a vitally important game, so our preparation will be the same as it would be for a Premier League game. We'll take it absolutely seriously.”
Two players Howe was asked about at his pre-match press conference were Will Osula and Miguel Almiron.
Osula is yet to make his full debut since joining from Sheffield United in the summer, while Almiron has made just the one start - the penalty victory at Nottingham Forest in the previous round.
On Osula, Howe said: “We really like Will [Osula]. I think he's settled in really well. He's training well behind the scenes, we're developing his game in lots of different areas. So yeah, I'll have to make a decision on the team.”
And on Almiron, Howe added: “Miggy will be like every other player in the squad that wants to play and wants to influence and wants to make a difference with his qualities. Miggy is really highly valued by all of us.
“I think it's been difficult to get him the minutes that he would crave in the early season, but this is a big moment for him to show his qualities. He's an outstanding player, an outstanding athlete, someone that's made a huge contribution to our success in recent years and someone we would love to see play well.”
Here’s the Newcastle United starting XI Howe is predicted to name:
5. LB: Lloyd Kelly (in for Lewis Hall)
Hasn’t started the last two games with Lewis Hall preferred. Would have likely started at CB had Matt Targett been available. | AFP via Getty Images
6. CM: Sean Longstaff (in for Bruno Guimaraes)
Longstaff has dropped out of the team in recent matches with this an ideal opportunity to hand him minutes. | Getty Images
7. CM: Joe Willock (in for Sandro Tonali)
The same applies to Willock, who is still getting back up to speed after an injury-hit 2023-24 campaign. | Getty Images
8. CM: Joelinton
With Sandro Tonali going off with cramp at the weekend and Bruno Guimaraes usually rested in these games, Joelinton might be one of the few players that keeps his place. | Getty Images