Newcastle United will host Bromley in their FA Cup third round clash today at St James’ Park and big changes to the starting eleven are expected.
The Magpies have famously struggled in the FA Cup, especially in the third round, so Eddie Howe will be keen to change the narrative this afternoon with a confident victory over their visitors.
Newcastle have been knocked out of the prestigious domestic cup competition seven times in their last 12 efforts, still their match-up with 12th-place League Two side Bromley presents a huge opportunity to progress without a struggle.
The Tyneside giants are in an outstanding run of form at present going five games unbeaten in the Premier League with seven wins in a row including their Carabao Cup fixtures, where in their most recent they beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates.
Although Howe will be keen to keep the momentum going, the clash with Bromley presents a fantastic opportunity to rotate, give first-team players a break and allow for the fringe players to shine in the early stages of the competition.
Indeed, there will need to be experience in the starting eleven to ensure a comfortable progression to the next round, but for the most part, it will be a chance for supporters to get a good look at the depths of their squad.
How could Newcastle line up against Bromley?
Nothing but Newcastle predicts Howe will make ten changes to the starting eleven that faced Arsenal in the Carabao Cup earlier this week, maintaining his classic 4-3-3 formation.
In the defensive set up we expect a full change, with Odysseas Vlachodimos replacing Martin Dubravka in goal, while Matt Targett gets an opportunity to prove his worth on the left flank replacing Lewis Hall.
Fabian Schar returns from suspension, and we expect Howe to give him the nod in the centre-back partnership alongside Lloyd Kelly to provide some experience and leadership in the back-line, while Kieran Trippier also brings a wealth of experience in the right-back role in place of Tino Livramento.
In the centre of the pitch, we predict Howe will make two changes with only Joe Willock retaining his spot in midfield after a confident performance at the Emirates this week.
Sean Longstaff returns to the starting eleven and Lewis Miley makes his first start in the first team this season stepping into a huge role to replace Sandro Tonali in the most defensive midfield position.
In the attacking threat it is all change too, with Harvey Barnes coming in for Anthony Gordon on the left wing and Miguel Almiron replacing Jacob Murphy on the right wing, the latter is being heavily linked with a move away from the club this month, so it could be the last opportunity for him to perform in front of the home support.
Alexander Isak will be given the chance to rest this weekend ready for the return to Premier League action next week, giving William Osula an opportunity to prove himself as a worthy option in the centre-forward role.
With that being said, a team with a wealth of experience combined with fresh perspectives for Newcastle should be enough to comfortably progress to the next stage of the FA Cup, especially in front of the home support.