OPINION
Steve Bruce could be tempted to ring the changes to his starting line-up for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup second-round clash against Leicester City.
With the Magpies playing against Premier League opposition in the tie at St James’ Park on Wednesday, Bruce might possibly stick with several senior options for the game while also mixing his team up a little in order to rest some tired legs.
Jetro Willems could be handed his full first-team debut in the game, whereas players who have picked up knocks such as Joelinton and Jamaal Lascelles [Shields Gazette] may be given the chance to have a rest.
Having given all three of his keeper’s opportunities in pre-season, Bruce could hand Karl Darlow a first competitive start of the season, handing Martin Dubravka the chance for rest after three straight matches of being put under the pump.
He could start in front of a similar back-five, with Willems coming in for his debut in order to build up some confidence and Federico Fernandez given the chance to replace captain Lascelles, who will most likely return for the league clash against the same opposition on Sunday.
Matty Longstaff is predicted to be handed his chance to replicate brother Sean and earn his first full start for the Magpies alongside the experienced Jonjo Shelvey in midfield.
The 19-year-old was used in pre-season and wasn’t allowed to leave the club on-loan indicating that Bruce could be set to use him, with Shelvey having the perfect amount of experience to partner him in the middle.
The front three virtually picks itself, with injuries plaguing forwards at the club such as Allan Saint-Maximin, Andy Carrol, Joelinton, and Dwight Gayle [The Chronicle].
That should mean that three forwards who ended the game together against Tottenham – Miguel Almiron and Christian Atsu are surely both set to start either side of Yoshinori Muto.
With Longstaff and Willems both placed to make their full debuts, this predicted eleven could cause Leicester many problems on Wednesday.
