Harvey Barnes could be handed another chance for Newcastle United at Wembey today
Harvey Barnes could be handed another chance for Newcastle United at Wembey today
Eddie Howe says he always has big decisions to make when selecting a Newcastle United starting XI, and it won't be any different before he pins his teamsheet to the wall this afternoon.
There are two standout calls for the Magpies head coach to make ahead of today's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley, namely who starts in goal and who replaces the suspended Anthony Gordon. United's two other key absentees - Lewis Hall and Sven Botman - are largely already dealt with. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar have partnered in the heart of the Newcastle defence for most of the season, while Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier can play in either full-back slot.
In goal, Howe faces a straight choice between Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka, with Pope starting the 1-0 win over West Ham on Monday night. But was there a slight hint that Pope was the 'league' goalkeeper? There are suggestions Dubravka will get the nod today, with Pope expected to return for the Premier League run-in.
Gordon's suspension has left a huge gap on the left-hand side of the forward line, but Howe has several options. Harvey Barnes started at West Ham and set up Bruno Guimaraes for the winning goal, but would Joe Willock offer more in the way of protection, especially when it comes to dealing with Mo Salah?
Howe could even move Alexander Isak out wide and start Callum Wilson up front, but Barnes' performance at the London Stadium, coupled with the fact Liverpool are likely to play Jarell Quansah at right-back in place of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley, suggests the former Leicester man will get the chance to shine on the Wembey turf.
That leaves the formidable midfielder trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton, with Jacob Murphy on the right and Isak as the cenral striker. On the bench, Howe can call on the likes of Willock, Sean Longstaff and Will Osula to try to change the game.
Newcastle United predicted XI vs Liverpool: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Murphy, Barnes, Isak.
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