Tranmere (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & score prediction
"I’m not afraid to say I’ve not imagined it. I wouldn’t say I do it regularly, but it’s one of my dreams. If we can be the first team in a long time to win a trophy the players get their own place in Newcastle’s history - and that’s where we want to be." This was Eddie Howe's response when asked about ending our long wait for a trophy during his time on Tyneside.
On Wednesday night, we travel to Merseyside to take on Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup, bidding to book our place in the third round after four second round exits over the past five seasons.
Steve Bruce’s Newcastle lost at the first hurdle this time last year, as Burnley won 4-3 on penalties after the two sides couldn’t be split over the 90 at St James’ Park, but we come into this one with momentum and hope following Sunday's 3-3 draw with Man City.
Howe will be forced into changes, with there being bumps, bruises and several tired bodies in the camp after that huge effort over the weekend, but he's clearly planning to take cup competitions seriously.
"It's very important", he said while speaking to the press on Tuesday morning. "I made that clear in pre-season. I want to see a team that wants to win every game we compete in and every competition is treated with the same importance. I hope that's reflected in our performance tomorrow."
Let's hope that shows on Wednesday night, as even a second string Newcastle United should have too much for a Tranmere side currently 17th in League Two.
Team news
Callum Wilson (hamstring) and Ryan Fraser (groin) look set to miss out after having scans on potential injuries this week, while Dan Burn is out through concussion.
Matt Targett was "very close" to making the Man City game so has a chance of returning, but there'll be no Jonjo Shelvey or Kell Watts, who are both recovering from surgery.
Elliot Anderson could make his first start for the club, however, with Howe hinting at rotation after Sunday's tough test on Tyneside.
On potential changes, Howe said: "There will be changes to the team but I believe in the squad that I have. A lot of players are fighting to play in the Premier league. Outstanding individuals, outstanding players, outstanding characters. I've got no doubts about bringing players in. The mentality has to be right. That's everyone. We have to realise these games are very important and we're desperate to go through."
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Krafth, Lascelles, Botman, Dummett - Willock, S Longstaff, Anderson - Ritchie, Wood, Murphy.
In goal, Martin Dubravka should get a chance to remind Howe what he can do after losing his place in the Premier League, with the same applying to Jamaal Lascelles at centre-back.
Federico Fernandez could make a rare start if he's managed to train this week, however Sven Botman could be the man to partner our club captain - especially when he started a few games alongside Lascelles over pre-season.
Emil Krafth seems the obvious choice at right-back, while Paul Dummett could come in down the left if Matt Targett misses out and Jamal Lewis isn't deemed fit enough to start after playing no part in our pre-season friendlies.
In midfield, Sean Longstaff will surely come in after failing to start any of our opening three games so far, with Elliot Anderson also in line for his full debut against a side he scored against in April during that brilliant loan spell at Bristol Rovers.
Bruno and Joelinton are due a rest and must be protected after putting in a massive shift on Sunday, meaning Joe Willock may keep his place after he was taken off with 20 minutes to go over the weekend.
In attack, Jacob Murphy and Chris Wood seem fairly nailed on to start, with Wilson and Fraser out, and ASM unlikely to start three games in seven days. On the right, Miguel Almiron is the sort of supremely fit player who could play again, however Matt Ritchie may well come in down the right. He played this role a few times over pre-season and is capable of putting in some good crosses for Wood; who thrives on balls into the box.
Prediction
Whether we play a surprisingly strong side or rotate heavily, I expect this confident, fit and focused Newcastle side to have too much for a Tranmere side currently struggling in the fourth tier of English football.
We've lost at this stage in four of the last five seasons, but I think we'll put that right here with a no nonsense win at Prenton Park.
Anderson to impress and Wood to score in a Carabao Cup away win for Eddie's Mags!
Prediction: Tranmere 0-3 Newcastle
