Eddie Howe is expected to make changes to his Newcastle United starting XI for tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Manchester City.
The Magpies head into the third round tie at St James’ Park on the back of a positive. Howe’s side recorded back-to-back Premier League wins against Brentford and Sheffield United while also holding AC Milan to a goalless draw in their Champions League opener.
It’s been a hectic schedule for Howe & Co with three games in eight days - but it doesn’t end there. The visit of Man City is the start of four games in 12 days, which also includes league matches against Burnley and West Ham United, plus a European fixture against Paris Saint-Germain.
“Yeah I think we will use the squad,” Howe said when asked if he’d make changes versus last season’s treble winners. “I say think because it’s not finalised in my brain what we’re going to do yet. I need to assess everybody physically first from the game we’ve just had.
“There have been players carrying certain things so we’ll need to manage them but we do have players who are really keen to play. I think I have to utliise the squad, especially with what we have coming up, not just at the weekend but midweek next week.
“As I’ve many times, we want the players to enter the pitch in the best physical condition to showcase their skills.”
NewcastleWorld is predicting Howe to name six changes. Here’s our predicted starting XI in full, including subs:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka (in for Nick Pope)
Nick Pope has established himself as the Magpies’ undisputed No.1 but the cup is a chance to give Dubravka some game time.
2. RB: Tino Livramento (in for Kieran Trippier)
Livramento played the remaining 20 minutes at Bramall Lane which sets up nicely for his full debut.
3. CB: Jamaal Lascelles (in for Fabian Schar)
Howe has a knack of calling Lascelles up against the big teams having started away games to Liverpool and Man City last term.
4. CB: Dan Burn
Fresh from scoring his first goal of the season, Burn could move back into the centre of defence.