Newcastle United welcome Johnnie Jackson’s AFC Wimbledon to St James’ Park tonight knowing the winner will host Chelsea in the next round. The Magpies come into the game on the back of an impressive display during their 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the weekend, whilst their visitors have had ten days to prepare for this game.
Eddie Howe has stressed that he will play a strong team this evening as Newcastle United look to extend their good recent record in this competition. They were finalists in 2023 whilst they reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals last year, only to be beaten on penalties by Chelsea.
However, the Magpies will be without Alexander Isak who continues to be sidelined with a broken toe. That could offer Will Osula the chance to make his first competitive start for the club following his move from Sheffield United in August.
With a trip to Goodison Park on the horizon, Howe could rotate tonight in a bid to give minutes to some of the fringe members of the squad. Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash against AFC Wimbledon:
5. Lloyd Kelly
Lewis Hall was very impressive against Manchester City but Kelly could be handed a start tonight. | Getty Images
6. Sean Longstaff
Longstaff netted the winning penalty to book Newcastle a place in Round Three. Howe may opt to rotate his midfield and he could be reinstated into the team and given a chance to impress ahead of the clash with Everton on Saturday. | Getty Images
7. Sandro Tonali
Tonali was very good on his first Premier League start of the season at the weekend and may be given another chance to build up his fitness levels tonight. | Getty Images
8. Joe Willock
Newcastle will be keen to manage Willock’s game time and not risk future injury problems. A start tonight could be what he needs to build up his match fitness. | AFP via Getty Images