On Wednesday night, Newcastle travel to Prenton Park to face League Two Tranmere Rovers in the second round of the EFL Cup. Kick-Off is 7.45 pm and it’s live on Sky Sports.
After a blistering display on Sunday against Manchester City, Eddie Howe is expected to make several changes to the lineup to face Tranmere.
Callum Wilson and Dan Burn both picked up knocks on Sunday and will be rested for Wednesday, Ryan Fraser remains a doubt and Jonjo Shelvey is still a way off from making a return.
This means that Chris Wood will likely lead the line for Newcastle and against League Two opposition, it would be a good time for him to net a couple of goals to build his confidence up. It looks like he will be backed up by Elliot Anderson who is set to get his chance to impress in the competition after some eye-catching displays in pre-season.
What Are Your Predictions For Tranmere?
Tranmere Win
Draw
Newcastle Win
We will probably see the likes of Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Allan Saint-Maximin rested too with Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth and Martin Dubravka likely to see some game time from the start.
Howe has promised to take the cups seriously, so while we will see wholesale changes, you can expect that Howe will them drilled and set up to win. The weight of expectation will be on Newcastle after such a breathtaking display against the English Champions on Sunday, so no matter who lines up for the Magpies, they will be expected to handle League Two opposition, and under Eddie Howe, I’m confident they will.
Prediction: 0-4 – Expect Wood to get a couple and you might even see an Elliot Anderson belter.
HOWE MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT EDDIE?