Newcastle United make the trip to Merseyside on Wednesday as they take on Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup. The League Two outfit have dreams of a huge Premier League scalp but Magpies boss Eddie Howe has made no secret of going deep into the competition.
Newcastle will certainly be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season's cup catastrophe, with the north east outfit losing to Burnley and Cambridge United at the first opportunity in the Carabao and FA Cup respectively. Howe addressed the media on Tuesday and was forced to admit changes will be made after the 3-3 draw with Manchester City.
Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Dan Burn will all definitely miss the Prenton Park clash. So, which Newcastle players can take advantage with a big performance on Merseyside?
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Chris Wood will be one of the first names on the Newcastle teamsheet on Wednesday as Wilson nurses a hamstring injury which could yet keep him out in the coming weeks. The former Burnley striker desperately needs to grasp the opportunity as he replaces his in-form attacking counterpart.
With Newcastle desperately chasing a striker in the final days of the summer window, Wood needs a confidence-building performance to ensure he fends off any incoming attacker in the battle to be Wilson's backup.
Elliot Anderson is 'chomping at the bit' to be involved for Newcastle after an impressive pre-season with the first-team. With no Premier League minutes to his name this season, it remains to be seen as to whether he will still be on Tyneside after the summer window.
The youngster is likely to start against Tranmere on Wednesday, where he will feel right at home against League Two opposition. A big performance may open the door to a Newcastle stay or an attractive loan move away.
Another midfielder keen to impress is Sean Longstaff. Forced to settle for appearances off the bench so far this term, the local lad is hopeful of challenging Joe Willock to that third midfield spot alongside Newcastle's two Brazilians.
Longstaff enjoyed a fine end to the last campaign and continued that form during the summer in Newcastle's pre-season friendlies. Wednesday's clash seems the ideal opportunity to show what he can do.
The final player who can take advantage of some rare game time is captain Jamaal Lascelles. The Magpies skipper earned a special mention from Howe in Tuesday's press conference but has become the forgotten man in Newcastle's defence after the impressive performances of Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn.
“He’s reacted very well. Very good pre-season. Unlucky not to play because there is a lot of competition now," Howe said. "With Sven (Botman) coming in and the form of Fabian (Schar) and Dan (Burn).
"Jamaal was a bit part last season and came in and performed at a high level. Behind the scenes he’s been a great captain and leader and set the example with the group in training every day.”
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