Wimbledon (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line up and prediction
Following our best performance of the season on Saturday, where we more than held our own against Champions Manchester City, we come into this with a spring in our step and the chance to build momentum.
Flooding and pitch issues meant our planned trip to Wimbledon was pushed back a week and moved to St James' Park, where it's a sell out, a big chance for some of our fringe men to impress and a massive opportunity to move into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
A home tie with Chelsea awaits in the fourth round if we can overcome the Wombles, but recent form suggests they won't be pushovers. They sit 6th in League Two, have kept clean sheets in five of their last six games and knocked out Ipswich in the previous round, winning on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
Eddie Howe has urged his players to arrive with the same attitude that saw us match Man City on Saturday, vowing to "attack the game" and not overlook a Wimbledon side desperate to prove their worth against Premier League opposition.
Eddie Howe’s pre-match comments
"We set objectives early in our season - in terms of where we want the squad to be. And I think where I want the squad to be is regardless of our opposition, regardless of the competition, the attitude is the same.
"We attack the game, we show we want to win. We should have to deliver all the fundamentals towards that objective. I'm not the type of manager that will sort of prioritise games. Every game is hugely important. I don't think you can prioritise games. Of course we want to get through. We want to win and we want to play well."
On potential rotation, Howe added: “I think we will see it as an opportunity to get game time for those that maybe haven’t played. But in saying that we’ll still pick a a very strong team. And ultimately, of course, we need to pick a team that we think can take us through to the next round.
“This is a vitally important game, so our preparation will be the same as it would be for a Premier League game. We’ll take it absolutely seriously.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43tzkbMFrzQ
Team news
Alexander Isak (toe) has been ruled out again, while Kieran Trippier and Sandro Tonali will be assessed after coming off on Saturday with niggles. Callum Wilson (back/hamstring), Lewis Miley (foot), Sven Botman (ACL), Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) and Matt Targett (eczema) remain out.
Predicted XI: Pope – Livramento, Krafth, Schar, Kelly - Longstaff, Bruno, Willock - Almiron, Osula, Barnes.
With Isak already ruled out and Howe hinting at game time for those who've had limited minutes so far, I'm expecting to see Will Osula, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Tino Livramento, Lloyd Kelly and Emil Krafth start.
It would be Osula's first competitive start since a £10m move from Sheffield United this summer and it feels likely with Isak out, Callum Wilson still injured and Anthony Gordon likely to be saved for Saturday's return to Goodison Park. Howe praised him in Monday's press conference, revealing how well he's settled in as he works on his game in training. It would be great to see the 6ft 4' Dane in action given his unique blend of power, pace and quick feet.
Almiron hasn't seen many minutes this season and may be keen to prove a point, while Willock and Longstaff look set for recalls in midfield after neither started against Man City. Tonali looked tired as he came off with cramp on Saturday, so he'll surely be saved for Everton.
At the back, Livramento will come in at right-back after losing his spot to Trippier in our last two league games, with Krafth also deserving of a start after very little wrong while Fabian Schar served his three-match ban after his opening day red.
Kelly is yet to find his best form since arriving on a free from Bournemouth, but this could be an ideal time for him to find his feet; whether that's at left-back or alongside Krafth in the middle. I also think Burn is more likely to be rested than Schar, with the Swiss given three games off recently for his straight red on the opening day.
As for youngsters who could feature, Irish talent Alex Murphy may be one to watch, while exciting winger Trevan Sanusi will be pushing for a place in the squad after an impressive pre-season and lively start to the U21 season.
Match prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Wimbledon
Wimbledon must be credited for their strong start to the season, but even a much-changed Newcastle side should have too much for the Wombles.
Those who come into the side will be fresh and eager to impress Howe, with a sell out St James' Park hoping to see us kick on from Saturday and keep the momentum going; not only for our cup hopes but heading into a tricky trip to Everton this weekend.
Hopefully no injuries, a big night for some of our fringe players and another front-foot display that sets up a last 16 tie with Chelsea later this month.
HWTL!
