Newcastle United are set to make some exciting changes ahead of their Carabao Cup fourth-round clash with Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park. With a busy schedule ahead and several competitions to manage, Eddie Howe looks ready to rotate his midfield and give a few players a long-awaited opportunity to impress.
The Magpies boss is expected to balance the importance of the game with the need to protect key players who have been heavily involved in recent weeks.
Newcastle’s campaign across four different competitions has been relentless, and the upcoming fixtures, including two Premier League away trips and a crucial Champions League showdown against Athletic Bilbao, mean squad rotation is more important than ever.
Players like Bruno Guimarães have played an incredible number of minutes since returning from international duty with Brazil in Asia earlier this month.
Given his demanding schedule, the captain is likely to be rested for the Tottenham match. This opens the door for Sandro Tonali to return to the starting eleven after missing the last two matches through illness.
Joe Willock, who has struggled for regular game time this season, could also be handed a rare start. The midfielder has only featured four times this campaign, with just one start coming in the goalless draw against Bournemouth.
With Lewis Miley starting the last two games, Howe may look to give the young midfielder a breather, potentially pushing Willock into the side to add fresh energy and creativity.
Jacob Ramsey, who made just his second start of the season in last week’s victory over Benfica, also looks set to feature again.
The young midfielder was left on the bench in the win over Fulham, but he could return to the starting lineup against Spurs, likely slotting into the left-hand side of midfield in place of Joelinton.
His sharpness and ability to drive forward with the ball could be vital as Newcastle aim to progress further in the competition.
Eddie Howe has made it clear that while the Carabao Cup remains an important target, he must also keep his squad fit and competitive for the long haul.
The Magpies have been among the most consistent sides in domestic cup competitions in recent years, reaching two finals and a quarter-final in the last three seasons. This consistency reflects Howe’s commitment to balancing ambition with smart squad management.
As Newcastle prepare to welcome Tottenham, fans can expect a refreshed and hungry lineup eager to make a statement. With Tonali, Willock, and Ramsey potentially all starting together for the first time, it could be a glimpse of Newcastle’s exciting midfield depth one that combines experience, drive, and creativity.
The trio will be keen to seize this opportunity to prove their value as the Magpies aim to continue their pursuit of silverware.
This game is not just about advancing to the next round it’s a test of Newcastle’s adaptability, squad depth, and hunger to maintain momentum across all competitions.
For the players returning to the fold, it’s a chance to remind everyone what they bring to this ambitious and ever-evolving Newcastle side.
