Neither Newcastle United nor Preston North End are going to sweat much on their League Cup clash over the midweek. With Newcastle sitting at the top of the league, Rafael Benitez is expected to shuffle his squad against the 9th placed Preston.
With a crucial match against Brighton, which will further cement Newcastle’s position at the top of the Championship table, Benitez is expected to use his B squad to the game. Preston have lost their last five games against Newcastle in all competitions, failing to score in the last four.
Preston have lost their last 5 games against Newcastle in all competitions, failing to score in the last four. But they have won 5 of their last 6 League Cup ties against sides from the same division as them, losing the other to Derby in August 2008.
Team News
Newcastle
If Benitez is shuffling his squad as expected, the likes of Chancel Mbemba, Isaac Hayden, Aleksandar Mitrovic and more who have shown eye-catching performances for the club in the past few weeks are expected to be seen today.
With Paul Dummett standing on the slim edge of 4 yellow cards, Benitez will opt to rest him. With Jonjo Shelvey also with 4 yellow cards, Cheik Tioté is expected to play in place of him.
Newcastle are already without goalkeeper Rob Elliot and defender Massadio Haidara with a knee injury, and midfielder Rolando Aarons with a fractured metatarsal.
Preston North End
Their striker Jermaine Beckford is expected to return to this match after he was sidelined in August with a hamstring injury. Aiden McGeady is back in training but will probably not be match fit to play this match. John Welsh is ruled out with a calf injury.
Calum Woods and Stevie May, both are still injured with uncertain return dates.
Predicted lineup
Newcastle (4-4-1-1) – Darlow; Lazaar, Mbemba, Hanley, Yedlin; Gouffran, Tioté, Hayden, Atsu; Mitrovic, Murphy
Preston (5-2-1-2) – Maxwell; Cunningham, Wright, Huntington, Davies, Humphrey; Brown, Pearson; Pringle; Makienok, Beckford.
Key Players
Newcastle- Mitrovic and Murphy will both play crucial roles up front to put their team ahead. Check Tioté is likely to see a rare team chance and will look to make things happen from midfield. We haven’t yet forgotten his stunner against Newcastle’s 4-4 draw with Arsenal. The trio will be keen to put down a marker with an important clash coming in the weekend.
Preston- Simon Makienok had scored a superb hat-trick against Bournemouth in their last League Cup fixture with his 3rd goal in the added extra time to clinch the winner. He will be expected to impress for the Lilywhites.
Odds
Newcastle @ 1.44
Draw @ 4.50
Preston @ 9.00
