Newcastle United will begin their quest for the FA Cup trophy when they travel to Hillsborough to play Sheffield Wednesday in the third round on Saturday evening.
The Magpies are unbeaten in their last 15 games, including the 1-1 draw with table-toppers Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium earlier this week. They have lost just once across all competitions this season, which is a true indication of the progress Eddie Howe’s team have made.
Having become the first team to pinch a point at Arsenal this term, the Toon Army will head to Sheffield United with great confidence.
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle United are set to be without the likes of Emil Krafth, Matt Targett, Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett for the trip to Sheffield Wednesday. Alexander Isak is nearing a return to full fitness from a hamstring injury after months on the sidelines.
Predicted Newcastle Lineup vs Sheffield Wednesday (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Newcastle recalled Martin Dubravka back from loan at Manchester United at the start of the winter transfer window. After a couple of days of training with Eddie Howe’s team, the Slovakian could be handed an opportunity to impress between the sticks against Sheffield Wednesday.
Defence
Eddie Howe will likely use the cup game as an opportunity to give minutes to some of the fringe players that have not played much this season. At full-back, Jamal Lewis and Javier Manquillo could come into the starting XI to afford some much-needed rest for key players like Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier.
There could also be a reshuffled in central defence, with Jamaal Lascelles replacing Fabian Schar. Sven Botman, meanwhile, should partner Lascelles at centre-back as the duo look to keep the Owl’s attackers at bay.
Midfield
Young Elliot Anderson, who was an unused substitute against Arsenal, could be handed an opportunity in midfield. Joe Willock’s energy and movement will be helpful in breaching the Sheffield Wednesday backline. Matt Ritchie might get the nod over Sean Longstaff to complete Newcastle’s engine room for the weekend fixture.
The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff will provide cover for midfield positions from the bench.
Attack
Up front, it will likely be Chris Wood leading the Newcastle line. Wood will also be joined by Allan Saint-Maximin in attack, with the Frenchman in need of starting opportunities after making regular substitute appearances for some time now.
Jacob Murphy will be tasked to provide pace, creativity and zest down the right flank. Summer signing Alexander Isak is finally back in training and could be named on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday, with the view to giving him some minutes in the second 45 minutes.