Newcastle United are set to take on Sunderland in the Checkatrade Trophy this evening.
Newcastle’s under-23 side are set to take on Sunderland in a Checkatrade Trophy tie which has captured the imagination.
There is expected to be a large crowd at the Stadium of Light tonight, but Benitez is reportedly not keen to give Newcastle’s youngsters a helping hand.
The Spanish boss wants to keep his senior players around, and he doesn’t want to risk playing them this evening.
However, Newcastle under-23 boss Ben Dawson has suggested that there is a possibility that Sean Longstaff could feature.
“On some occasions we have had Sean Longstaff, whether he will be involved I don’t know,” Dawson said.
“With Ki away and the FA Cup on Saturday maybe not.
“It will be what we’ve got.”
Longstaff has played for Newcastle’s under-23 side in the Checkatrade Trophy earlier this season, but he has been promoted to the first team now.
Newcastle have toppled one League One side in the competition before in the form of Doncaster Rovers, but beating Sunderland this evening could be a tough task.
Sunderland are set to make some changes to their line-up themselves, with a number of their fringe players set to be given the nod.
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