Debut chance for 'bag of tricks' Eddie Howe loves as Newcastle United cup decision made
Newcastle United's Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon is here and there's big decisions for Eddie Howe to make in terms of team selection.
The Magpies chief insists he will take this competition seriously given it being the biggest chance of silverware for his side this term - and that means we're likely to see some familiar faces from the outset at St James' Park.
With Alexander Isak missing out, is this the perfect time to start William Osula? Could this be the moment to had a start to Newcastle's box of tricks, Trevan Sanusi? Is it the ideal time to rest the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Pope?
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We put these questions to our panel of Newcastle writers and asked them to predict the starting XI that Howe will name on Tuesday evening.
Lee Ryder
I think that Eddie Howe will opt for a mix of experience and youth while also giving some much needed squad members a run out or two.
Miguel Almiron is in dire need of minutes and this is the ideal game for him to come back in for. A goal or two would not go amiss for William Osula against the Dons ether. My side would be Martin Dubravka in goal with Tino Livramento at right-back joining Emil Krafth and Lloyd Kelly in the centre of defence. Alex Murphy would get the shout at left-back.
In the middle Sean Longstaff is a starter with Joelinton and Joe Willock while Almiron, Osula and youngster Trevan Sanusi get their opportunities.
That should be more than a match for basement boys Wimbledon.
Lee's predicted XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Krafth, Kelly, Murphy, Longstaff, Willock, Almiron, Osula, Sanusi
Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United produced their best performance of the season against Manchester City - and that should have a knock-on effect on the rest of the squad. Those who come in on Tuesday night know they have to step it up to have any chance of getting back in the team.
While I do not envisage Eddie Howe taking any unnecessary risks, after Kieran Trippier hobbled off and Sandro Tonali pulled up with cramp, I can still see the Magpies boss naming a strong XI versus AFC Wimbledon, who have already knocked out Premier League opposition. It certainly feels like the chance to build on the weekend's display at a packed St James' Park
It remains to be seen how many players will keep their places for the weekend, given that Newcastle travel to Goodison Park in just a few days, but I can see Howe maintaining a strong spine through the team while still ringing the changes. It certainly feels like a game to give Martin Dubravka and William Osula the chance to make their first starts of the season - otherwise, when will they get that opportunity? - while Tino Livramento, Lloyd Kelly, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock will be among those eager to stake their claim.
Ciaran's predicted XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Kelly, Joelinton, Longstaff, Willock, Almiron, Osula, Barnes
Aaron Stokes
Eddie Howe will strike the balance of giving game time to some of his fringe stars, while ensuring he is still playing a strong side to ensure a win over AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday evening.
I can see Martin Dubravka starting the cup clash, with familiar faces in front of him in Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn and Lloyd Kelly. You suspect it will also be a strong midfield with key men Joelinton, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff.
In attack, I'd personally love to see Trevan Sanusi given a shot from the outset but I can see Howe going with Barnes from the start. Elsewhere, the boss has already hinted he will hand opportunities to Almiron and Osula.
Not a bad XI at all for a third-round cup clash!
Aaron's predicted XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Kelly, Joelinton, Longstaff, Willock, Almiron, Osula, Barnes
Andrew Musgrove
Eddie Howe has said he's got to try and find the balance between resting players and putting out a strong XI but with Everton on Saturday, there's a lot to consider.
Howe has players who need minutes in their legs, and thankfully some of them, like Joe Willock, are very good! Willock has looked like he's running through cement in the last two outings, so will relish a chance start. Howe has hinted that Miguel Almiron and William Osula will likely start allowing Anthony Gordon a rest before his return to Merseyside.
With Kieran Trippier and Sandro Tonali leaving the field with cramp during the 1-1 draw with Man City, I feel you'll be unlikely to see them start against Wimbledon but Howe at least has options to counter that with Tino Livramento and Sean Longstaff.
I reckon Joelinton will keep his spot because he needs a confident boost - he's really not started the season well, so a good performance in the League Cup will hopefully help change that.
Lloyd Kelly will undoubtedly play it's just whether it's a centre-back or left-back but I think he'll start alongside Emil Krafth in the centre of a back four.
The big chance for me will be on the left and Trevor Sanusi coming in. He played just 59 minutes for the U21s in their last game, so should have enough in the tank to take his opportunity.
Andrew's predicted XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Krafth, Kelly, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Longstaff; Almiron, Osula, Sanusi
Stuart Jamieson
I would make big changes to the starting line-up for this one, but Eddie Howe still has plenty of experience to call upon. Miggy Almiron, Tino Livramento, Joe Willock Sean Longstaff, Lloyd Kelly and Martin Dubravka all have huge amounts of Premier League experience and can provide a solid platform for some youngsters to shine.
I would love to see Trevan Sanusi given a chance, while Alfie Harrison and Alex Murphy could also make the step up in what would be a very different starting XI. It gives the established players a full week off to prepare for what will be a physical encounter at Everton next weekend.
It's a risk, but with strong bench options, surely one worth taking.
Stu's predicted XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Krafth, Kelly, A Murphy, Longstaff, Willock, Almiron, Harrison, Sanusi, Osula.