Newcastle are back on home turf this week, with the first of two games at St James’ Park coming in the Carabao Cup.

We start our defence (sounds good, doesn’t it?!) against high-flying League One side Bradford City, who are top of the pile in the third tier after a superb start to the 2025/26 season.

The Bantams won 3-0 at Championship side Stoke City in the second round and have since seen off promotion rivals Cardiff and Huddersfield 3-1.

So, while it’s very much a winnable game and a big chance to make it into the last 16 in front of our own fans, we can’t afford to be complacent and, in Eddie Howe’s words, won’t have any eyes on Arsenal (Sunday) until the Wednesday night’s game is over.

It’s been a slow start to the season so far, winning only one of our opening five league games and narrowly losing in our Champions League opener last week. But, we’ve been rock solid and our only loss in the league came with 10 men against Liverpool, giving us something to build on even if our attacking play must undoubtedly improve.

Team news

Fabian Schar (concussion) has been ruled out of both games this week, while Yoane Wissa (knee) and Aaron Ramsey (ankle) remain absent until after the October international break.

Anthony Gordon is back from suspension and it’ll be interesting to see if those rested at Bournemouth on Sunday come back in, with Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton all given a game off, with Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes coming on from the bench.

Howe admitted in his press conference below that he’s likely to rest those who played three games over the last week (Wolves, Barcelona, Bournemouth), meaning Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali may drop out of the side.

Predicted XI

(4-3-3): Ramsdale – Krafth, Lascelles, Botman, Hall – Miley, Bruno, Willock – Elanga, Osula, Gordon. 

It’s always tough to predict who Howe will select in a midweek cup game when he’s talked up the importance of the game but will, in private, have one eye on a big game against Arsenal on Sunday.

Rotation won’t so much be a reflection of Bradford, but more a chance to hand rare starts to players who will be motivated to impress and in need of minutes. This includes the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Will Osula, who seem likely to come in.

Jamaal Lascelles made his first league appearance in well over a season at Bournemouth and could come into consideration with Schar out and Botman perhaps unlikely to play three games in a week, if Howe plans to start Sunday’s top performer against Arsenal. If Burn is given a rare rest, we could see Alex Murphy come in after a solid pre-season and telling no-show in the U21s’ defeat to Norwich on Monday.

Kieran Trippier could come in, but may also be kept fresh for Arsenal, rather than play twice in five days, so I find it more likely that Emil Krafth comes in and Lewis Hall gets another chance to build fitness.

Bradford could be a good chance for both Lewis Miley and Joe Willock to gain confidence and match sharpness, although I do think Bruno Guimaraes will come back in after his first rest in 68 Premier League appearances on Sunday. I wouldn’t be surprised if Joelinton is saved for Arsenal.

In attack, Osula seems nailed on with Woltemade saved for Sunday, with Elanga and Gordon rotation options after one came on late at Bournemouth and the other served his final game out through suspension.

Match prediction

Mix a weakened side with the wrong attitude and we risk a cup upset, but complacency rarely exists at Howe’s Newcastle, who should be determined to get back amongst the goals and, more importantly, into the last 16 of a competition that we’ll never forget after last season’s triumph.

I’ll go for a competitive game and comfortable home win, hopefully giving confidence to a few of our fringe men and boost for the team heading into Sunday’s Arsenal test.

Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Bradford

Howay the lads!