Newcastle will attempt to make it consecutive 8-0 wins – or simply squeeze into the next round – when they host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Sean Longstaff, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon, Miguel Almiron, Bruno Guimareas and Alexander Isak all got on the scoresheet in the decimation of Sheffield United on Sunday but a much sterner examination of their credentials is guaranteed when the treble winners arrive in midweek.
With both rotation and silverware on his mind, here’s the side manager Eddie Howe may pick against City.
GK: Nick Pope – Howe can count Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius among his reserve goalie options but Pope should feature with rotation in goal not necessary.
RB: Tino Livramento – Signed for an initial £32m from Southampton in the summer, Livramento should deputise for Kieran Trippier who has played plenty of football over the past 12 months.
CB: Fabian Schar – Was one of three outfield starters not to score against Sheffield United – the others being the injured Harvey Barnes and midfielder Elliot Anderson.
CB: Sven Botman – Has kept three clean sheets upon returning to the starting XI, showing his importance to this Newcastle side.
LB: Dan Burn – The gangly Burn will have a tough evening against City‘s many attacking options but will be buoyed by his goal at the weekend.
CM: Sean Longstaff – Opened Sunday’s floodgates with his 21st-minute strike. Has never scored more than one goal in a single Premier League season.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes – Continues to look at home in Newcastle‘s midfield and is close to officially signing a new deal.
CM: Sandro Tonali – Only had 20 touches during his homecoming at AC Milan in the Champions League last week and will hope for a more influential display.
RW: Miguel Almiron – The Paraguayan was on fire this time last year, though his goal on Sunday was his first in the Premier League since March.
ST: Alexander Isak – Will come in as the natural alternative to Callum Wilson as he has regularly since joining from Real Sociedad.
LW: Anthony Gordon – Notched a goal and an assist on Sunday after replacing the injured Harvey Barnes and has started the season in excellent form.
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