8 Newcastle players in line to start vs Bromley as Howe hints at FA Cup plans

After a typically hectic December and busy but brilliant start to 2025, Newcastle United are flying but fatigued.

We put everything into our recent run and have barely rotated, with the players doing incredibly to dig deep in back-to-back away wins at Spurs and Arsenal to start the New Year.

Next up is Bromley in the FA Cup Third Round on Sunday and an ideal chance to rotate, handing most of our star men a well-deserved rest and starts to some fringe men or youngsters eager to impress.

Nine Mags almost certain to start on Sunday?

All things considered and with Wolves and Bournemouth to come in the league next week, here's nine players we're expecting to see in Eddie Howe's XI come 3pm on Sunday:

Odysseas Vlachodimos - With Pope still out and Dubravka in discussions to leave for Saudi Arabia, it feels like a suitable time to start the rarely-seen Greek international. Ruddy and Gillespie are options, but you'd have to wonder when he's ever going to play if he's not trusted to face a League Two side in the FA Cup!

Kieran Trippier - After bench roles in the last two games, where Tino Livramento has shone at right-back, this looks like an easy decision for Howe.

Fabian Schar - Having sat out wins at Spurs and Arsenal through suspension, he'll be well rested and ready to return. Botman needs a game off after two starts in four days, too.

Lloyd Kelly - Hasn't started in Schar's recent absence, with Botman getting the nod instead, but this will surely be his chance to play in his preferred left-sided centre-back role.

Lewis Miley - An ideal chance for the 18-year-old to play in what would be his first start of the season. Will be great to see him back in action.

Sean Longstaff - Missed out on a start at Arsenal, with Willock beating him to it in Bruno's absence, so he feels nailed on to come in or this one.

Harvey Barnes - With Gordon back to his best down the left, he's been limited to very few starts over the last month or so, but his quality could be key in this one.

Will Osula - Possibly the player I'm looking forward to seeing the most alongside Miley. The 6ft 4' Dane is raw but very quick, skilful and training well, says Howe. Isak will be rested and Wilson is still injured, so let's hope he can impress.

There's a chance Miguel Almiron also plays after his cameo at Arsenal, although I left him out of this list based on the ongoing exit rumours. With sales vital if we wish to spend this month, it may be a risk Howe avoids to start a player currently in the shop window?

Emil Krafth is back in full training and looks set to feature, while Matt Targett is one to watch at left-back if Howe opts to hand Lewis Hall a game off. Given his age and importance, it could be wise to.

Injured - Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles, Nick Pope.

Newcastle carrying a few 'niggles'

Rotation was always likely this weekend after a busy end to 2024 and hectic start to 2025, but Eddie Howe's comments on Friday morning only further that feeling.

Alexander Isak (hamstring) and Sven Botman (groin) were two of 'three or four players' who had little niggles at the Emirates, making Sunday the perfect time to rest several key men.

“We knew going into the Arsenal game the lads that had played the majority of the minutes were in a good place mentally but physically they were a little bit tired.

“We knew we would have to rotate our squad but we’ve got very good players that are desperate to play and desperate to show their qualities.

“It’s a good game for them to showcase those qualities but also we have to get through so we have to pick a strong enough squad.”