Eddie Howe is preparing to rotate his starting XI for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash with Bradford City.
The Magpies are set to welcome the League One side to St James’ Park on Wednesday night, as they begin their defence of the trophy they won at Wembley in March.
The Carabao Cup has been important for Eddie Howe ever since his appointment as Newcastle United manager, and he will once again be looking to go deep into the competition.
However, he will also use it as an opportunity to give some of his players a rest.
Sandro Tonali leads four players who could be rested for Newcastle United vs Bradford City
Ahead of Newcastle United vs Bradford City in the Carabao Cup, Howe has spoken to the media.
The Toon boss has admitted that he is likely to change his lineup, with those players who have started against Wolves, Barcelona and Bournemouth in line for a rest.
“There’ll be an element of rotation again,” he said.
“The guys that have played three times last week we might look to give them a rest.
“We want to pick a strong team and we want to try and progress so you have to get the balance right. You don’t want players to lose rhythm – that’s really important.”
There are four players who Howe is alluding to. The quartet of Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali have all started Newcastle’s last three games, but look poised to drop out of the starting XI on Wednesday night.
- Who is Sandro Tonali? Say salve to Newcastle United’s Italian midfield maestro
Four players who could come into the Newcastle United starting XI
With at least four players set to drop out, there will be opportunities for at least four players to come in.
The most obvious change is Aaron Ramsdale for Pope. The summer signing has had to be patient since his arrival on loan from Southampton, but should make his debut in the Carabao Cup.
In defence, Emil Krafth or Kieran Trippier will come in for Livramento. Given the fact the former has not played a single minute so far this season, Howe could turn to the Sweden international.
Given the amount of running he does, Tonali absolutely deserves a rest on Wednesday night. With Howe eager to still put out a competitive side, it could be Bruno Guimaraes who takes his place in midfield.
Burn is the one Newcastle United player who is difficult to directly replace against Bradford. That is because Howe is likely to revert back to his 4-3-3 formation, after utilising a 3-4-3 shape at the Vitality Stadium.
That should open the door for another attacker to come into the side, with Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes pushing to start.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
