Newcastle United take on Preston North End in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Newcastle United take on Preston North End twice this week, and first up it is the EFL Cup clash at St James’ Park, where Rafael Benitez’s side will be hoping to reach the quarter finals of the competition.
The Spaniard will likely rotate his side, giving some players who have not had as much game time a chance to impress in the cup tie. With that in mind, how will Newcastle line up against Preston?
Matz Sels started the season as Newcastle’s number one, but has since lost his spot to Karl Darlow. The cup clash could give the Belgian a chance to show his manager why he should be first choice once again.
Grant Hanley is a player who has not featured as much as he would have liked since joining the club, and he should start alongside Chancel Mbemba, who has lost his place to Ciaran Clark due to injury and the Republic of Ireland international’s sensational form.
DeAndre Yedlin could keep his place, with Vurnon Anita more suited to the league tie the following Saturday, while Achraf Lazaar could get another start in the EFL Cup.
Jonjo Shelvey will likely be retained for his play-making efforts, and Yoan Gouffran can give Newcastle balance down the left flank.
Isaac Hayden should swap places with Jack Colback as a like-for-like replacement, and Christian Atsu could start in place of Matt Ritchie.
The EFL Cup presents the perfect opportunity for Aleksandar Mitrovic to be given a chance by Benitez, and it is a chance he must take. Ayoze Perez had his best game of the season against Ipswich, and should be afforded the chance to continue his form and rekindle his partnership with the Serbian.
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