Howe makes nine changes: Predicted Newcastle lineup to face Tranmere Rovers

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Newcastle United get their Carabao Cup campaign underway against Tranmere on Wednesday night, with Eddie Howe likely to make multiple changes.

His side left everything out there against Manchester City on Sunday, earning a well-deserved point that easily could have been three.

Now we go from facing the Premier League champions to League Two Tranmere. We won’t be the underdogs here, and will be expected to make it into the third round.

But who will Howe pick to start? This is our Newcastle predicted lineup vs Tranmere

Matt Targett returns

He missed the draw with Manchester City, but we expect Matt Targett to be back on Wednesday night.

The £15million man has missed the last two games with a dead leg, but is nearing a return to fitness according to Howe.

Dan Burn is ruled out, meaning there will definitely be a change at left-back. In fact, we anticipate an almost entirely new backline.

Martin Dubravka will certainly start, while Jamaal Lascelles should come in as captain. Sven Botman is the only defender who should retain his place, as he continues to adapt to English football.

Chance for Anderson vs Tranmere

After impressing in friendly action, Elliot Anderson is yet to feature for Newcastle this season. However, that will surely change against Tranmere.

He needs a chance to shine, and that will come in the League Cup. The Magpies have been linked with signing another centre midfielder this summer, but a strong performance from Anderson can prove that a new addition isn’t necessary.

We predict that the 19-year-old will be joined in midfield by Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff.

Wood leads the line for Newcastle

With Callum Wilson set for a scan on his hamstring injury, Chris Wood is certain to start on Wednesday night. And he needs a goal to boost his confidence.

Newcastle are looking to sign a striker with Joao Pedro heavily linked, but Wood will still fancy his chances of being Wilson’s main deputy.

But to do that he needs to impress against Tranmere.

Predicted XI vs Tranmere: Dubravka; Krafth, Lascelles, Botman, Targett; Anderson, Longstaff, Willock; Almiron, Wood, Murphy.