Predicted Newcastle lineup to face Bournemouth

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Newcastle United are back in competitive action on Tuesday night, as the Magpies face Bournemouth in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

24 hours earlier than first planned, Eddie Howe’s side welcome the Cherries to St James’ Park, as they look to continue what could be an exciting cup run.

The game is a sellout, with fans desperate to see Newcastle back in action after the World Cup. Howe’s side won a friendly against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, but now it is time for competitive football to return.

Howe’s World Cup players returned unscathed and are available for selection, and this is our predicted Newcastle lineup to face Bournemouth

Nick Pope starts vs Bournemouth

It was a surprise to see him play on Saturday, and we expect Nick Pope to be named in the starting XI once again on Tuesday night. The 30-year-old did not feature at the World Cup, so should be fresh and ready to go.

Howe started his first choice goalkeeper in the previous round of the competition, and should do the same against Bournemouth now that he is definitely available for selection.

That will be a blow for Loris Karius, who was hoping to make his first competitive start for the Magpies after impressing in friendly action out in Saudi Arabia.

Bruno Guimaraes on the bench

Another player who represented Newcastle at the World Cup is Bruno Guimaraes, and he is also available to face the Cherries.

However, we do not think he will. Instead, Jonjo Shelvey feels more likely to start in the ‘number six’ role.

The former Swansea man is still continuing his comeback from injury, and will see the cup as the perfect chance to keep building up his match fitness.

That would give Howe the option of playing Bruno higher up the pitch, but we expect the Brazilian to be named on the bench. Instead, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock should join Shelvey in midfield – like they did against Vallecano on Saturday.

Chris Wood starts when Newcastle face Bournemouth

Ahead of the game, Howe confirmed that Callum Wilson is not suffering with an injury after missing Saturday’s friendly at St James’ Park.

But while he might be available, we expect Howe to err on the side of caution and go with Chris Wood up top. The 31-year-old netted a penalty against Vallecano, and looked in decent form before the World Cup break.

He deserves the chance to lead the line, as he continues to play more than anticipated with Alexander Isak still out injured.

Predicted XI vs Bournemouth: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Targett; Longstaff, Shelvey, Willock; Almiron, Wood, Murphy.