Journalist Ross Gregory doesn’t expect Newcastle United’s World Cup aces to play in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Newcastle had a number of players out at the World Cup, although the majority of them played few minutes, with Kieran Trippier’s two starts the most out of anyone employed by PIF.
Therefore, many may believe that they could come back into the starting lineup as they should be fit and not too tired, although fans shouldn’t expect to see them turning out at St James’ Park next week.
Gregory has admitted on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel that he can’t see the World Cup players being starters against Bournemouth.
He said: “I would be surprised if all of them came in and started against Bournemouth, but they might be in and around the squad and available.”
Will Newcastle win on Tuesday?
Yes!
No!
TIF Thoughts on Eddie Howe’s selection choices…
Eddie Howe will indeed have to strike up a fine balance between picking his best players to progress into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup while not putting in players that aren’t ready to play in his desired way, either from a physical or mental standpoint.
Therefore, Gregory claiming that the players involved in the World Cup could well be in and around the squad – perhaps on the bench – would make a lot of sense as it would offer Howe the reassurance that if things weren’t going to plan, he would have good options in reserve that could change the game.
Especially given that Newcastle play on Tuesday and then on Boxing Day away to Leicester City, Howe will know he can’t rush players back with so many games coming at them thick and fast over the festive period.