It’s match day and cup fever hits the Toon as Newcastle host Crystal Palace in the third round of the Carabao Cup at St James’ Park – Kick off is 7:45pm
Eddie Howe will be hoping their fantastic league form can continue in the cup, but with that being said I think there’ll be plenty of changes made to the starting eleven tonight.
Previously I’d be worried about such wholesale changes, especially to a winning team, but I genuinely believe that Howe is able to get the best out of any starting eleven he puts out, so while there’ll be players in the team who don’t play regularly or are coming back from long term injuries, I still believe that we will be well placed to get the win.
This is how I think we will line up, with some big players rested. Darlow will be given another shot in goal, Targett will come back into the team pushing Burn back to centre-back alongside Jamaal Lascelles. I was toying with Javier Manquillo at right-back but I think it’s too soon for him to start, so Trippier will get the nod, although I’m sure Howe would prefer to rest him ahead of the Chelsea game.
Will Howe Make Wholesale Changes?
Yes, he will rest big players
Nah, he'll go all-out for the win
Joelinton sat out the win against Southampton so will be fresh and ready to go tonight. Jonjo Shelvey will likely get his first start of the season after a few cameos recently, and Elliot Anderson will once again start in the cup, although there’s always a chance that spot gets taken by Joe Willock.
Maxi should get his first start since his injury and Chris Wood will get the nod while Wilson is rested. Wood got himself on the scoresheet at the weekend so will be raring to go. I think Miggy will keep his place because he’s just undroppable at the minute, and he’s fit enough to keep on going.
Whatever team Howe goes with, I’m sure we will progress.