Newcastle United face Crystal Palace in the League Cup tonight, and the Athletic’s Chris Waugh has dropped a team news hint that could really boost the Magpies’ chances.
Both sides will be competing for a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. For Newcastle, this is a genuine chance to challenge for silverware this season.
The Magpies have been awful in the cups throughout recent history – although Steve Bruce wasn’t actually that bad in them, to be fair to him.
But now Howe is the man trying to bring a trophy to Tyneside, and he will be very keen for his side to get past Palace tonight.
St James’ Park is sold out, and the atmosphere should be electric as fans get one of their final fixes before the World Cup break.
Howe is likely to make changes, and so is Palace boss Patrick Vieira by the sound of things.
Palace expected to make big changes v Newcastle
Speaking on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, the Athletic’s Chris Waugh provided some information on what he’s heard about the Eagles going into tonight’s game.
“I have had a suggestion from our Crystal Palace writer that Palace may be putting out a team full of kids,” Waugh said.
“So therefore given Newcastle’s ambitions, we know Eddie Howe has already said that they’re going to target the cups, and now they have the opportunity to do so – I wouldn’t think they’d fancy coming here at all at this stage.”
Big chance for Newcastle
If Palace do put out a largely inexperienced side, Newcastle must smell blood. The Magpies have been excellent at home since Howe took over, and the noise inside St James’ Park should be fantastic.
A youthful Palace side presents Newcastle with an opportunity. They should be able to impose themselves on the opposition if it lacks senior experience.
Howe will probably make changes too, but the youngest player likely to be selected is Elliot Anderson. And he has proven he can handle the rigours of senior football.
Other than that, Howe’s changes will be bringing in players who need minutes and have a point to prove. It won’t be a side that is lacking in experience.
If Palace do put out a weakened side, it says a lot about the two clubs’ ambitions. Newcastle are in a position of strength. Our season is going very well, and we are perfectly poised to challenge for domestic honours.
In contrast, Vieira’s team might be more focussed on solidifying their place in the middle of the Premier League.
But Newcastle are up for the cup, and must prove that tonight.
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