Newcastle United are now in a position where they have to use the strongest line-up available in their season-defining League Cup tie against Leicester City.
The limits of Eddie Howe's squad - who went in against Sheffield Wednesday on the back of a heavy festive programme - were laid bare in the FA Cup as he made eight changes to his regular Premier League side. But with two games in the space of four nights, Howe had no alternative to ring the changes in the FA Cup tie.
The lowdown is that Newcastle's squad was never expected to be fully equipped to deal with a challenge on three fronts at this stage. With the takeover only into their second season, the squad rebuild is still some distance away from having at least two stars to compete for each shirt.
