Predicted Newcastle lineup to face Sheffield Wednesday

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Newcastle United begin their FA Cup campaign on Saturday evening when they face Sheffield Wednesday.

The Magpies have already proven they are up for the cup this season, and will compete in the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

That game will be Eddie Howe’s priority, meaning Newcastle will likely make a few changes for the trip to Hillsborough.

But it will still be a strong Newcastle XI, and this is our predicted Toon lineup to face Sheff Wed

First Newcastle start since May for Dubravka

Martin Dubravka was back on the Newcastle bench against Arsenal, after being recalled from his loan spell with Manchester United.

The Slovakian has been welcomed back into the fold by Howe, and could now make his first competitive appearance for the Magpies this season.

Dubravka has not started for Newcastle since the win over Burnley on the final day of last season, but we expect him to take Nick Pope’s place in the FA Cup. The £10million signing has been excellent since his arrival, but will likely be kept fresh for the Carabao Cup game against Leicester next week.

Elsewhere at the back, Kieran Trippier will pass the captain’s armband to Jamaal Lascelles, who is likely to come in for Fabian Schar. And at left-back, we expect Jamal Lewis to get a chance amid speculation he could be loaned out.

Anderson in Howe’s lineup to face Sheffield Wednesday

Following Jonjo Shelvey’s injury, Newcastle don’t have too many options to freshen things up in the middle of the park.

Elliot Anderson is the only alternative to come in, and he should get his first start since the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace. His minutes have been limited as of late, and will hope to impress against Sheffield Wednesday.

He could be joined in midfield by Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes. It would be bold for Howe to pick his star player in Bruno, but he doesn’t have many other options. Starting the Brazilian will help Newcastle get the job done and avoid an embarrassing upset.

Isak back on the bench for Newcastle

Alexander Isak is finally back in training, and could return to the side this weekend for the first time since September. We expect Howe to name the club’s record signing on the bench, with the view to giving him some minutes in the second half.

While Isak watches on from the bench, it will likely be Chris Wood leading the line. He will also be joined by Allan Saint-Maximin in attack, who needs to start building up some form to force his way back into Howe’s Premier League XI.

Predicted XI vs Sheff Wed: Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Lewis; Longstaff, Bruno, Anderson; Murphy, Wood, Saint-Maximin.