Newcastle United begin their Carabao Cup campaign away to Nottingham Forest tonight, with Eddie Howe expected to name a strong starting lineup.
Eddie Howe has always shown a real desire to take the cups seriously, and that will not change this season as he aims to end Newcastle United’s trophy drought.
To do that, he will need to start by beating Premier League opposition away from home. Newcastle United‘s bad luck with cup draws is continuing, as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
It is a tough second round tie for Eddie Howe, and this is the predicted Newcastle United starting XI we think he will go with against Nottingham Forest.
Kieran Trippier starts against Nottingham Forest
Kieran Trippier has been on the bench for Newcastle’s first two games of the season, but made a real impression as a substitute against Bournemouth.
The Magpies significantly improved when he came on to replace Tino Livramento at the Vitality Stadium, as speculation over his Toon future continues.
Newcastle have been encouraged to keep Trippier, while Eddie Howe is desperate for the £12million defender to stay.
And Trippier should be rewarded with a start in the Carabao Cup, taking Livramento’s place in the side.
Lewis Hall is also predicted to return at left-back ahead of Lloyd Kelly.
Eddie Howe makes Sandro Tonali decision
The big decision that Howe needs to make is whether Sandro Tonali starts. His ban is now over, meaning he is available for selection for the first time since October 2023.
And we are predicting that Tonali will start, and what an ovation he will receive from the travelling Toon Army at the City Ground.
Bruno Guimaraes can’t wait to play alongside Tonali again, and he should get that chance tonight. Bruno is also tipped to start, with Howe hopefully going all out to progress in the cup.
Joe Willock rounds out the midfield three after a decent cameo at Bournemouth.
Changes in attack for Newcastle
There should also be a couple of changes in attack for Newcastle United against Nottingham Forest.
Harvey Barnes impressed Newcastle fans on Sunday, and he deserves to start on the left of attack.
On the opposite flank, it feels likely that Miguel Almiron will come in for Jacob Murphy.
However, it should still be Alexander Isak leading the line. While Will Osula is in reserve, it is still perhaps too early for him to be starting.
Predicted XI to face Forest: Pope; Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Isak, Barnes.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
