After crashing out of the FA Cup on Saturday night, Newcastle United will turn their attention to Carabao Cup success when they face Leicester City on Tuesday.
The Magpies are looking to reach the final four of the competition, and will be even more motivated after being dumped out of the other domestic tournament by Sheffield Wednesday.
But given how well Newcastle have done in the League Cup, the game against the Foxes was always going to be Eddie Howe’s priority. That is why he made so many changes at Hillsborough.
Howe will put out his strongest team for the game at St James’ Park, and this is our predicted Newcastle lineup to face Leicester
Lascelles drops to the Newcastle bench
Howe made eights changes to his side for the FA Cup defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, including bringing captain Jamaal Lascelles into the starting lineup.
But, much like the other Toon defenders who were thrust into the side, the 29-year-old seriously struggled. Javi Manquillo and Jamal Lewis also had tough evenings, highlighting Newcastle’s lack of depth.
Given the importance of Tuesday night’s game and Newcastle’s defensive record, Sven Botman is the only defender from the Sheff Wed defeat who will retain his place in the starting XI.
Kieran Trippier will replace Manquillo, Fabian Schar will replace Lascelles and Dan Burn will replace Lewis.
This is a huge game for Newcastle, and Howe has to go with his strongest side. That means picking the entire back four and goalkeeper who have helped give the Magpies the best defensive record in the Premier League this season.
Saint-Maximin not in the starting lineup to face Leicester
When the team to face Sheffield Wednesday emerged on Saturday night, it was a surprise to see Allan Saint-Maximin miss out.
The Frenchman was unavailable due to illness, and was a big miss. Hopefully he is fit to return versus Leicester, but even if he is back it feels unlikely that he will start.
Howe’s strongest XI right now has Joelinton on the left of attack, and that is where we expect the Brazilian to play on Tuesday night.
Saint-Maximin will be desperate to start, but his recent illness makes that unlikely. Instead, he will provide an option on the bench if Newcastle need an injection of creativity in the second half.
Wilson returns to the Newcastle XI
Alexander Isak and Chris Wood both played a half each on Saturday, but neither were able to find the net. The former forced some excellent saves from Cameron Dawson, while the latter missed an absolute sitter to make it 2-2.
Newcastle wasted multiple opportunities, and will need to ensure they don’t do the same against Leicester. That is why it feels almost certain that Callum Wilson will start.
The number nine was rested at the weekend, but should be fit and ready to face the Foxes. It means that Isak, who was impressive on his return, will drop to the bench for the first time in his Toon career, having started on all four of his appearances so far.
Predicted XI vs Leicester: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.
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