There will likely be a lot of changes to the Newcastle United starting XI against Wimbledon.
The Magpies are finally competing in the third round of the Carabao Cup, with Wimbledon on their way to St James’ Park for the rearranged fixture.
The winner will face Chelsea at home in the next round, and Eddie Howe will be very eager to ensure it is his side that takes on the Blues in the next stage of the Carabao Cup.
However, the game against Wimbledon will be a chance for the Newcastle United manager to rotate. Fringe players will get an opportunity, with Howe hinting that Miguel Almiron will start.
Elsewhere, Geordie Boot Boys have called on Will Osula to play up front for Newcastle and start for the first time since his £10million move from Sheffield United.
Seven players predicted to start for Newcastle against Wimbledon
Both players will be eager to feature against the League Two side and, according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, they might be in luck.
Waugh has noted in a Q&A for the Athletic that Howe is ‘likely’ to make seven changes to the Newcastle United team that started against Manchester City on Saturday.
He has noted that Osula and Almiron are likely to come into the team, as are Emil Krafth, Lloyd Kelly, Tino Livramento, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock.
Wholesale changes at the back for the Carabao Cup
With Waugh suggesting that Krafth, Livramento and Kelly will come into the starting XI, that suggests that Howe is going to alter most of his back four. The only question mark surrounds which player retains his place in the side.
If Livramento starts, it will be ahead of Kieran Trippier. That change feels inevitable, with Trippier a doubt to face Wimbledon after limping out of the 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
And if Livramento comes in to play right-back, that means Emil Krafth will be utilised at centre-back – probably in place of Fabian Schar.
Then you come to Lloyd Kelly, who can play at left-back or centre-back. He would probably prefer the chance to play in the middle of defence, but it feels more likely that he will start instead of Lewis Hall.
Changes to the Newcastle midfield
Midfield alterations also appear to be on the cards, with Waugh hinting that Longstaff and Willock are going to start.
Sandro Tonali is a doubt to face Wimbledon, after coming off with cramp against Manchester City. That would open the door for the ‘highly intelligent’ Longstaff to return to the starting XI.
As for Willock, it could be a big night for him. He recently put Joelinton under real pressure with his display against Wolves, but the Brazilian fought back at the weekend.
Joelinton was outstanding against Manchester City, proving that he is not going to give up his starting place on the left of Newcastle’s midfield three without a fight.
Now it is up to Willock to respond, and it looks like he will get the chance to do that against Wimbledon.
Possible Newcastle XI vs Wimbledon: Pope; Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Kelly; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Osula, Barnes.
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