Newcastle United duo drop out of matchday squad v Bradford City as seven changes made
Newcastle United confirmed starting XI for their Carabao Cup tie against Bradford City.
Eddie Howe has made seven changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for tonight’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Bradford City.
It is a similar level of changes to the goalless draw at AFC Bournemouth on Sunday, which came less than 72 hours after the Magpies were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in the Champions League.
The Magpies are currently in the midst of a busy fixture schedule of seven matches in 21 days. After tonight, Howe’s side face Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, either side of the Champions League fixture away at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Eddie Howe names seven changes to Newcastle United starting XI v Bradford City
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale makes his competitive debut following his season-long loan from Southampton behind a back four of Emil Krafth, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall.
Lewis Miley retains his place in midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, while Anthony Gordon returns from suspension to line up on the left side of attack. Anthony Elanga is on the opposite side with Will Osula through the middle.
Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy drop out of the matchday squad entirely, while Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey and Fabian Schar are injured.
IN: Ramsdale, Joelinton, Gordon, Krafth, Osula, Elanga, Bruno. OUT: Pope, Willock, Tonali, Livramento, Woltemade, Burn, J.Murphy.
Confirmed XI: Aaron Ramsdale, Emil Krafth, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Will Osula. SUBS: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento, Nick Woltemade, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy.
Eddie Howe already hinted at Newcastle United changes v Bradford City
The level of rotation will come as no surprise, with Howe already hinting at it in his pre-match press conference.
“I think we have a strong squad and I think the rotations that we made in the games are a reflection of that,” Howe said. “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 previews Newcastle United vs Bradford City
Howe admitted he was wary of Bradford, who currently top League One following first eight games, so vowed to name a strong team.
Howe said: “Yeah, very good, very strong. I mean, 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.”