Newcastle United will almost be at full strength against Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
While this is a busy period of fixtures for Newcastle United, there is absolutely no way that Eddie Howe will be tinkering with this starting XI for what is his side’s biggest game of the season so far.
The Magpies are competing for a place in the final four of the Carabao Cup, and have the luxury of playing at St James’ Park. Newcastle have home advantage, while Brentford have struggled on their travels this season. They have won just once on the road this season, despite being outstanding at home.
Eddie Howe found that out just last week, as Brentford beat Newcastle 4-2 at the Gtech Community Stadium. Newcastle were shocking in that game, and Howe will be demanding his players put in a better performance as they aim to end the club’s trophy drought.
The Toon boss will put out his strongest team possible, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United starting XI to face Brentford.
Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe watches on during the Newcastle United Training Session at Newcastle United Training Centre on December 16, ...
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
No place for Lloyd Kelly despite impressing in the Carabao Cup
During the previous two rounds of the Carabao Cup, Lloyd Kelly has started for the Magpies.
Kelly was very impressive against Chelsea, helping Newcastle win 2-0 to knock out the Blues.
But despite his strong displays in the cup, there is surely no way that Newcastle ‘leader’ Kelly will return to the Magpies’ starting XI on Wednesday night.
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After keeping a clean sheet against Leicester, Howe is expected to stick with the same back four versus Brentford. Interestingly, it would be the same back four that conceded four goals against the Bees earlier this month.
Sean Longstaff suspended for Newcastle United
There will be one change to the Newcastle United squad on Wednesday night.
Sean Longstaff is suspended, having been booked in each of his last two Carabao Cup appearances.
The local lad is unavailable, but Eddie Howe will be able to include Joelinton in his squad against Brentford.
Joelinton received his fifth booking of the season against Leicester on Saturday, which will result in a one-game ban. However, that ban only applies to the Premier League, which means he is eligible to play in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
Elsewhere, Howe has confirmed that Lewis Miley will be involved against Brentford. The 18-year-old will hope to appear off the bench, with senior minutes limited since his return from injury.
Pressure on Jacob Murphy to keep shining for Newcastle
Howe was able to substitute his entire front three during the second half against Leicester, which should ensure they are fresh for Wednesday night’s cup clash.
It feels likely that Howe will stick with the same front three, meaning Jacob Murphy joins Anthony Gordon and the in-form Alexander Isak in attack.
Howe was pleased with Murphy on Saturday, as he scored twice to take his tally to four goal contributions in his last two games.
The 29-year-old is proving to be pivotal in the final third, and will be keen to continue this hot streak to retain his place in the Newcastle United starting XI.
Predicted XI vs Brentford: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
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