After a disastrous second half display at Spotland, Newcastle now have to face Rochdale in an FA Cup replay.
The League One side head to St James’ Park tonight, looking to finish off the job they started 10 days ago. The winner will face Oxford United at home in the next round.
Steve Bruce has vowed to take the cup seriously, so who will he pick to start?
Lascelles and Ritchie return
While we still have injury problems, there are a few returning to the fold. Two of those are Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie, who should both start against Rochdale.
Lascelles should be joined at centre-back by Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark, giving Federico Fernandez a much deserved rest.
If Emil Krafth is fit, he should start on the right, despite Isaac Hayden impressing against Wolves.
The Longstaffs continue
Sean and Matty Longstaff have started two games in a row, and it should be a hat-trick against Rochdale. The pair did well at Molineux, and should keep their place on Tuesday night.
Matty has looked like he belongs in the team lately, and it’ll be up to him and his brother to control the game.
Carroll to start
Andy Carroll came off the bench on Saturday, but should start in the cup. He missed the first game due to injury.
Miguel Almiron will likely start on the left, as Bruce has vowed to be competitive in the cup. It would be a bit hypocritical if he left the in form Paraguayan out.
There’s one place in the side left, and it will likely go to Joelinton if he’s passed fit. The Brazilian played through the pain barrier against Wolves, and fans will be desperate to see him get his first St James’ Park goal against the third tier side.
Predicted lineup to face Rochdale: Dubravka; Lejeune, Lascelles, Clark; Krafth, S Longstaff, M Longstaff, Ritchie; Joelinton, Almiron, Carroll.
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