Predicted Newcastle XI vs Man United in the Carabao Cup: Howe makes five changes, Willock starts

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Newcastle United are preparing for a repeat of the 2023 Carabao Cup final as they face Manchester United on Wednesday.

The Magpies are out for revenge, having lost the cup final at Wembley back in February.

But Newcastle will believe they can be victorious this time, having already knocked Manchester City out of the competition. On top of that, they face a Man United side that are in a bit of disarray following Sunday’s derby defeat.

However, Eddie Howe has his own issues, as he is set to be without multiple key players for the game at Old Trafford. That will hinder his ability to rotate his side for the Carabao Cup contest.

With that in mind, this is the Newcastle team we believe will start against Man United on Wednesday night

Livramento and Hall start for Newcastle

Toon fans were very eager to see Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall feature against Wolves on Saturday, but did not get their wish, with Howe opting against bringing on his summer signings.

While they didn’t play against Wolves, they should both start against Man United.

Livramento was Newcastle’s star in the previous round of the Carabao Cup, and should take Kieran Trippier’s place at right-back once again. As for Hall, we have got him playing in a more advanced role with Matt Targett starting at left-back.

Elsewhere in defence, Paul Dummett returns to join Jamaal Lascelles at centre-back.

Joe Willock gets first start of the season

Howe has limited options in midfield, which means this could be the night we see Willock start his first competitive game for Newcastle since May.

He has appeared off the bench in our previous two games, and will be eager to start at Old Trafford.

It is a bit of a lottery, but we anticipate him taking Joelinton’s place and starting alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff.

Ideally, Lewis Miley would start in midfield too but that feels unlikely given his recent illness.

Anthony Gordon up front against Man United

Howe is also struggling for options up front, with Callum Wilson his only fit striker.

And given his history with injuries, we expect the 31-year-old to be rested on Wednesday night.

That means Howe will need to be creative, which should lead to Anthony Gordon leading the line against Manchester United.

Predicted XI to face Man United: Pope; Livramento, Lascelles, Dummett, Targett; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Gordon, Hall.