Newcastle United welcome League Two leaders Luton Town at St. James’ Park for their third-round clash in the FA Cup. The Magpies are fresh off a very important 0-1 win at Stoke that lifted them to two points above the relegation zone. Luton meanwhile are flying, sitting 4 clear the top having netted a league-high 62 goals. The 3rd round tie should give Benitez a chance to rotate his squad a little, considering the opposition and the workload on the first team players during the festive season.
Rafa is likely to be without Rob Elliot, Mitrovic, Gamez and Lejeune as they’re sidelined due to various injuries and the Spanish manager suggested that he’s not going to be risking any of them. However, this a perfect opportunity for him to experiment a bit since survival in the Premier League is the main target for this season. Last season’s FA Cup saw the likes of Ben El-Mhaani and Barlaser getting their debuts.
Defence
In goal, it looks like 20-year-old Freddie Woodman is set to make his full team debut with Elliot out with a thigh injury. Having played a crucial role in England’s U20 World Cup win, it only seems fair and logical for Benitez to elect the Croydon native to start in goal. Manquillo could be starting at right back, as Yedlin was played vs Stoke, with Haidara as the left back. The 25-year-old hasn’t played this season at all but was named on the bench at the bet365 stadium. With the window now open, Benitez would be looking at this game as an opportunity to allow the Frenchman to get a few minutes under his belt and offload him. With Ciaran Clark likely to be rested, we could be looking at Mbemba partnering Paul Dummett in the heart of the defence. Mbemba has started just 7 games in the PL this season, with Benitez seemingly unsure of the versatile 23-year-old, but he is most likely going to be playing this weekend.
Midfield
With Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden carrying knocks off late, we could be seeing a midfield of Henri Saivet and Don Barlaser, the latter having played in the EFL Cup loss vs Nottingham in August. Barlaser could do with a loan spell in the lower divisions and a good display would alert Championship clubs to his talents.
Attack
Up front, Ritchie, Diame and Aarons could be set to start behind Ayoze Perez, who has just a single goal this season, a crucial one, however, in the victory at Stoke. Another goal vs the Hatters would do wonders for his confidence giving him a chance to build up some momentum as the Magpies have struggled for goals this season.
