Predicted Newcastle United line-up to face Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup
Newcastle United have predictably started the season in slow fashion, losing narrowly to Chelsea and Tottenham, and grinding out a point against Cardiff City where they should have got three. Rafa Benitez would be keen to rotate his squad for this League Cup tie against Nottingham Forest with an eye for the weekend game against champions Manchester City.
The problem with the Spaniard is that he doesn’t have a wide squad to really make wholesale changes. In spite of that, some of the first-choice players will probably get a rest against Forest.
Team News
Florian Lejeune is a long-term absentee for Newcastle, while Jonjo Shelvey will be out for two weeks due to a thigh injury. Captain Jamaal Lascelles is expected to be back in the fray for this game.
Probable Newcastle XI
Manager: Rafa Benitez
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Karl Darlow (GK)
Dubravka is Newcastle’s number one now, however, he might get a rest for this game. Darlow may get a chance to impress the manager.
DeAndre Yedlin (RB)
With Javier Manquillo highly doubtful for this game, Yedlin has to continue operating at right-back.
Federico Fernandez (CB)
Made his debut at the weekend, and may continue to play this game, as Jamaal Lascelles’ situation is still unclear.
Fabian Schar (CB)
Ciaran Clark has played all games at centre-back and might get a rest for this fixture. Swiss international Schar should get his chance to partner Fernandez.
Paul Dummett (LB)
Newcastle are short of options at left-back, so Dummet may have to continue playing here.
Kenedy (LW)
The Brazilian couldn’t take part against Chelsea. Expect him to start ahead of Jacob Murphy in this game.
Mohamed Diame (CM)
With Shelvey out, Diame has to play in the midfield. Benitez might not play the academy youngsters so early in the season.
Ki Sung-Yueng (CM)
Made his debut against Chelsea and expect him to be fresh enough to start this game as well.
Christian Atsu (RW)
With Matt Ritchie deserving a game off after all the hard work he has put in so far, Atsu would be an ideal replacement.
Ayoze Perez (CAM)
Was benched against Chelsea but should be back in the line-up as Newcastle revert to the back-four system.
Read More: Newcastle United could still pull off a miracle but only if Benitez works it out
Yoshinori Muto (ST)
The Japanese international may get his first start for the Magpies on Wednesday. He needs to show he is worth the wait.
Comments are closed.