Newcastle United supporters want Eddie Howe to make wholesale changes in the Carabao Cup tonight. Crystal Palace visit St James’ Park for the second time this season after grinding out a 0-0 draw in September.
The Magpies are flying high in the Premier League but focus switches to knockout competition. A comeback victory over Tranmere Rovers in the previous round ensured a top-flight clash in the third round as Newcastle aim to end an agonising 67-year wait without domestic success.
With three games in a week, fans have called on Howe to freshen his side up against the Eagles. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Toon boss hinted at a change of personnel following the win at Southampton.
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"We have a combination of a few situations,” Howe said. “We have a lot of players that are eager to play and show their qualities. We have a number of games this week. It is a very tight turnaround of three games in six days.
“So we will try to make the right call for the team while acknowledging we are desperate to do well in the competition and do well. I have to make those choices and get the balance of the team right."
ChronicleLive readers agree that Newcastle should ring in the changes against Crystal Palace. Fans have voted for who they want to start tonight and have made 10 changes from the weekend.
Only one player - Dan Burn - keeps his place, but supporters want the Blyth-born defender to start in central defence rather than at left-back. Rare appearances for Jamaal Lascelles and Javier Manquillo have also been backed while Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin are tipped to make their first starts since returning from lengthy injuries.
ChronicleLive readers’ XI
Darlow; Manquillo, Lascelles, Burn, Targett; Shelvey, Joelinton, Anderson; Fraser, Saint-Maximin, Wood
