Looking at this Newcastle team v Bournemouth.
United entering the FA Cup at the third round stage.
Eddie Howe and his players hoping to make it four wins in a row, after nine points form a trio of league victories has seen then rise to top six in the Premier League.
A 3pm Saturday kick-off at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United looking to ensure they remain in all four competitions heading through January 2026.
As a reminder, this was the Newcastle team v Leeds:
Pope, Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall, Tonali, Joelinton, Bruno, Barnes, Gordon, Woltemade
The Eddie Howe pre-match press conference took place on Friday and Fabian Schar added to those unavailable for this Bournemouth FA Cup match, the Swiss defender joining Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth and Will Osula on the injury list.
A late decision to be taken on whether Anthony Elanga is able to return to action today.
Eddie Howe also said this on team selection and the need to use the squad…:
“I have to give compliments to the players fitness-wise, especially considering the style that we try to implement and how the players adapt to that with the schedule we have, it is incredibly difficult. If you looked at us the other day [against Leeds], I thought we were physically the stronger team in the latter stages, which is a credit to their professionalism and the work the sports science team and medical team do with the players. I was really pleased with that aspect. I think it would be wise for us to use the squad in certain games…We will review this [Bournemouth] game individually and try and make the right selections.”
Taking all of that into consideration…
This is my predicted Newcastle team v Bournemouth:
Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Livramento, Tonali, Ramsey, Willock, Gordon, Jacob Murphy, Wissa
If the above ends up as the reality, it would mean eight changes for Eddie Howe.
With coming in – Ramsdale, Trippier, Botman, Livramento, Ramsey, Willock, Jacob Murphy, Wissa
With dropping out – Pope, Miley, Schar, Hall, Joelinton, Bruno, Barnes, Woltemade
It is impossible to say for sure what the team will be today, the only thing that is all but guaranteed, is that Eddie Howe will make plenty of changes. Having played Sunday, Wednesday and now Saturday, the Head Coach having to use his squad for sure, especially as the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City is on Tuesday.
A number of times in the past for cup matches, Eddie Howe has given a half each to two of his three first choice midfielders. No surprise if the same happens today.
Whatever the starting eleven ends up as, I think for sure the NUFC Head Coach will make full use of his bench, spreading the minutes around.
Bournemouth have got plenty of injury and possible fatigue issues of their own, so hopefully that will help Newcastle United to ease their way through to the fourth round.