Eddie Howe must pick his Newcastle United team up to face Fulham in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.
There will be a strange atmosphere inside St James’ Park after Newcastle United’s defeat to Sunderland, and only Eddie Howe can change that.
He needs to ensure his team start to put things right on Wednesday night, as they turn their attention to defending the Carabao Cup.
It is a massively important game for Newcastle United, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted starting XI to face Fulham.
Who would you start in defence against Fulham?
Jacob Murphy at right-back? A chance for Alex Murphy?
One change in defence against Fulham
With Dan Burn injured for up to six weeks, there will be one change to the Newcastle United defence that started against Sunderland.
Fabian Schar will replace the 33-year-old, as he prepares to become Malick Thiaw’s centre-back partner for the foreseeable future.
Given Newcastle United’s defensive issues, that will probably be the only change at the back. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall should start at full-back, with Eddie Howe having just four fit senior defenders.
Eddie Howe makes Joelinton call as Sandro Tonali is rested
Joelinton did not feature at all in the Tyne-Wear derby, and he will be eager to be involved on Wednesday night.
Alas, Geordie Boot Boys predict that he will be on the bench again, with Joe Willock starting on the left of Newcastle’s midfield three.
He could be joined by Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley, with the former apologising to Newcastle United fans for losing against Sunderland.
Sandro Tonali is tipped to be on the bench, with Howe recently stating that he has been struggling for fitness after a recent bout of illness.
Will a win in the cup against Fulham help you get over losing to Sunderland? 🏆
Yoane Wissa makes his first Newcastle United start
Ahead of the cup clash with Fulham, Howe hinted that Yoane Wissa could start.
We are backing that to happen, as he aims to score his first Newcastle United goal. While playing 90 minutes is likely beyond him, it would be great to see Wissa get an hour of football under his belt, especially with Nick Woltemade suffering from fatigue.
Out wide, we are predicting Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes to start. That would see Anthony Elanga drop out, which feels wise after the criticism he received for his performance on Sunday.
Alan Shearer called Elanga ‘awful’ against Sunderland, and it is probably best to take him out of the firing line.
Predicted XI vs Fulham: Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Hall; Miley, Bruno, Willock; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon.
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