Anthony Elanga has been named in Newcastle’s starting XI. (Image: Getty)
Newcastle are at a key stage of their season, with three games played in just seven days that could have a huge impact on their campaign. Eddie Howe’s side face Tottenham in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, with the Magpies looking to defend their title and reach the quarter-finals on home soil.
This is followed by a trip to struggling Premier League side West Ham, a game Newcastle must aim for a win if they want to reignite their bid for a top-five spot after a mixed start to the league campaign. They will then return to St James’ Park to face Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League, giving them a huge chance of making a big step towards at least qualifying for the play-off stages.
With Howe having to battle injuries and facing the challenge of how best to manage the team over the coming week, rotations are likely to be made in key positions. The importance of the Carabao Cup for Newcastle is undeniable, following the Wembley game last March, and United have no intention of surrendering the trophy without a struggle.
Howe has options when it comes to making changes, but who should be in the starting lineup and who should be on the bench?
Here are the opinions of Chronicle Live writers:
lee rider
In my opinion, this game has more significance than this weekend’s trip to West Ham, despite Newcastle’s less convincing Premier League position.
That’s why I won’t make too many changes against Tottenham Hotspur and will keep rotations to a minimum. Despite their injury problems, Spurs proved they can still put in a strong performance at Everton.
I also believe Thomas Frank will be looking at the Carabao Cup in the same way that Eddie Howe has been for the past three seasons. So this is their best chance to win a trophy this season, and the same could be said for Newcastle.
There may be a temptation to shake things up and make a number of changes, as well as keep some stars away from Howe’s office door. However, when it comes to team selection, approach it as if it were a Premier League or Champions League match.
You can argue about the need for players to rest and breathe all day long, but over the years I’ve known very few professional players who were happy to be left out of the team, even in the Carabao Cup. As Bruno recently demonstrated, those who want to win well will dig deep.
We need players like Kieran Trippier, Bruno, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon and Dan Byrne to play against Frank’s team. The only thing I would make an unexpected choice would be to give Anthony Elanga a full 90 minutes to build up his fitness and confidence.
My NUFC XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiau, Botman, Byrne, Joelinton, Bruno, Tonali, Gordon, Elanga, Woltemade.
William Osla could get a chance early on. (Image: Getty Images)
Sean McCormick
Eddie Howe is keen to make a big impact in the Carabao Cup. Newcastle’s achievements over three seasons in the competition include reaching the final, losing on penalties in the quarter-finals and emerging as champions.
However, Newcastle are also competing in the Premier League and Champions League, so they are aware of the need to rotate their squad. If they truly believe that competition for places in the team is heating up, they should not hesitate to make changes to their line-up, especially with two away Premier League games and a Champions League clash with Athletic Bilbao looming.
With this in mind, summer signing Aaron Ramsdale could use some game time given Nick Pope’s outstanding performances this season. This seems like a good time to change goalkeepers.
Injuries to Tino Libramento and Lewis Hall have limited options for replacements in defense, but Emil Craft and Fabian Schaal would be logical replacements. It’s unclear who will take his place, but I think it’s likely that Kieran Trippier, Malik Thiau, Sven Botman or Dan Byrne will be substituted at some point during the game, regardless of which one is chosen to start.
Sandro Tonali, who missed the last two games due to illness, should start the match to underline Howe’s commitment to the competition. He should replace Bruno Guimarães, with Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey replacing Lewis Miley and Joelinton.
Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon have been the starting wingers in the last two games, making it perfect timing for Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes.
Nick Waltemade could be given a rest up front, but Will Osla has the chance to lead the back line after an impressive performance off the bench in the win over Fulham.
My NUFC XI: Ramsdale. Kraft, Schaal, Botman, Byrne. Willock, Tonali, Ramsey. Eranga, Burns. Osra.
stuart jamison
Eddie Howe faces the difficult task tonight of weighing the pros and cons of changing teams. Perhaps the simplest decision would be to reinstate Sandro Tonali into the starting XI after recovering from his illness.
Tonali’s presence will be crucial, especially if Howe decides to give Bruno Guimarães a break.
With Kieran Trippier due to be rested, I would choose Emil Craft at right-back. Sven Botman is healthy after his head injury, but there is no need to risk it as Fabian Schaal is ready to take his place.
It’s hard to see how Dan Byrne will be rested while Lewis Hall isn’t fit to return yet, but I would make four changes further down the line. Jacob Ramsey needs a start in midfield, and with the entire front line likely to be rotated, this is a great opportunity.
Will Osula and Anthony Elanga made a difference in their appearances against Fulham, while Harvey Barnes’ brace against Benfica means he has earned a starting spot to give Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade a break.
My NUFC XI: Lambdale, Kraft, Charl, Tiau, Byrne, Tonali, Joelinton, Ramsey, Elanga, Barnes, Osla.
