Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has hinted at changes ahead of the Magpies' trip to Prenton Park to face Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup.
United won't have Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser or Matt Targett available due to soft tissue injuries. And Dan Burn is still suffering from a head knock against Manchester City in the 3-3 draw.
One of the big calls Howe has to make will be between the posts with Nick Pope in outstanding form but both Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow in need of game-time. In previous seasons the keepers have been rotated in the cups under Steve Bruce and Rafa Benitez.
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Howe stuck with Martin Dubravka for the FA Cup defeat to Cambridge earlier in the year but now the Slovakia international is in need of an opportunity. But Pope is in amazing form and has quickly sparked calls for him to be England number 1 just three games into his Toon career.
The other big contender to start the tie is talented 19-year-old Elliot Anderson. Anderson has been held back from a loan exit but is yet to feature in the senior side.
Howe said today: "I think there will be changes to the team but I believe in the squad we have and a lot of the players are fighting to play in the Premier League are outstanding individuals with outstanding characters."
And speaking about Anderson he reflected: "Elliot's chomping at the bit to be involved. He's trained very well, even at the start of this season. He hasn't appeared yet in the Premier League (this season) but his performances in training have not dipped so he's in a good place to give a good performance.
"He's definitely a contender to start tomorrow. Everything I've seen from him day-to-day has been very impressive. I'm really excited to see him play. I think he's a player who has really grown from his loan period away."
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