Anthony Elanga is in line for a recall to the Newcastle starting lineup. (Image: Getty)
Newcastle are embarking on a crucial stage of their season, with three matches in just seven days that could significantly influence their campaign. Eddie Howe’s squad will face Tottenham in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie, as the Magpies aim to defend their title and secure a spot in the quarter-finals on home turf.
This is followed by a Premier League trip to struggling West Ham, a match Newcastle must strive to win if they hope to reignite their pursuit for a top-five position after a mixed start to their league campaign. Then it’s back to St James’ Park to take on Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League, presenting a massive opportunity to make significant progress towards securing at least a play-off stage spot.
With injuries to contend with, Howe faces the challenge of how best to manage his team over the coming week, with rotation likely in key positions. The importance of the Carabao Cup to Newcastle, following last March’s scenes at Wembley, is undeniable, and United won’t surrender the trophy without a struggle.
Howe has options when it comes to making changes, but who should be in the starting line-up and who should be benched?
Here’s what Chronicle Live writers think.
Lee Ryder
In my opinion, this game holds more significance than the weekend trip to West Ham – despite Newcastle’s less than convincing Premier League standing.
That’s why I wouldn’t make too many changes against Tottenham Hotspur and would keep rotation to a minimum. Despite their injury problems, Spurs demonstrated at Everton that they can still deliver a strong performance.
I also believe Thomas Frank will be looking at the Carabao Cup in the same way Eddie Howe has over the past three seasons. In short, this is their best opportunity to win a trophy this season, and the same could be said for Newcastle.
It might be tempting to shake things up and make numerous changes, as well as keeping some stars away from Howe’s office door. However, I would approach this as if it were a Premier League or Champions League match in terms of team selection.
We can discuss the need for players to rest and take a breather all day, but over the years, I’ve rarely known professional players who are happy to be left out of the squad, even for the Carabao Cup. As Bruno has shown recently, those who want to win enough will dig deep.
Players like Kieran Trippier, Bruno, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, and Dan Burn are all needed against Frank’s team. The only unexpected selection I would make is giving Anthony Elanga a full 90 minutes to build his fitness and confidence.
My NUFC XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Joelinton, Bruno, Tonali, Gordon, Elanga, Woltemade.
William Osula could get a chance from the start. (Image: Getty Images)
Sean McCormick
Eddie Howe is keen to make a serious impact in the Carabao Cup. His track record in the competition over three seasons at Newcastle includes reaching the finals, exiting in the quarter-finals on penalties, and emerging as winners.
However, with Newcastle also vying in the Premier League and Champions League, he recognises the necessity of rotating his squad. If he genuinely believes that competition for places within his team has intensified, he should not hesitate to alter his line-up, especially with two Premier League away games and a Champions League face-off against Athletic Bilbao looming.
Considering this, summer recruit Aaron Ramsdale could use some game time, given Nick Pope’s outstanding performance this season. This seems like an opportune moment to switch goalkeepers.
Injuries to Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall limit the options for defensive changes, but it would be logical for Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar to step in. It’s uncertain who they will replace, but whichever two players are chosen from Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn to start, I suspect the other two might substitute them at some point during the match.
Sandro Tonali, who missed the last two matches due to illness, should start the game to underscore Howe’s commitment to the competition. He should take Bruno Guimaraes’ place, 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 matches, making it an opportune moment for Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes to step in.
Nick Woltemade could do with a rest up front, while Will Osula has earned his chance to lead the line following his impressive performance off the bench in the victory over Fulham.
My NUFC XI: Ramsdale; Krafth, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Tonali, Ramsey; Elanga, Barnes; Osula.
Stuart Jamieson
Eddie Howe faces a challenging task tonight as he considers the advantages and disadvantages of altering his team. Perhaps the simplest decision is to bring Sandro Tonali back into the starting XI after recovering from illness.
Tonali’s presence is crucial, particularly if Howe decides to give Bruno Guimaraes a breather.
Kieran Trippier is due a rest, so I’m opting for Emil Krafth at right-back, and while Sven Botman is fine after his head injury, there’s no need to risk him with Fabian Schar ready to fill in.
It’s difficult to see how Dan Burn gets a break while Lewis Hall is still not fit to return, but I would make four changes further forward. Jacob Ramsey needs a start in midfield and this is the perfect opportunity, while the entire front line could rotate.
Will Osula and Anthony Elanga made a difference when they came on against Fulham, while Harvey Barnes’ brace against Benfica means he’s earned a start to give Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade a break.
My NUFC XI: Ramdale, Krafth, Schar, Thiaw, Burn, Tonali, Joelinton, Ramsey, Elanga, Barnes, Osula.