Newcastle v West Brom: Carabao Cup Preview, Team News & Prediction

Newcastle United turn their attention to the Carabao Cup tonight as West Bromwich Albion visit St James’ Park in the second round.

After the drama of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Matthias Jaissle has a quick turnaround and is expected to make big changes, particularly with a Premier League game against Spurs coming on Saturday.

Chances for the Squad

Jouen, Shahar, Schar, Bamba, Touré, Murphy, Neave and Nick Woltemade are among those who could be handed a chance to impress Matthias Jaissle.

There may also be official debuts for young lads from the under 21's and I'm expecting a bench that will be dominated by those players who may get their chance in the second half if we are two or three goals up .

Plus...

How good would it be if Nico Gonzalez was a done deal and he was introduced to the crowd before kick off... whether or not, let's hope news of his signing is imminent as he arrived in Newcastle yesterday for his medical.

West Brom Arrive in Form

Newcastle certainly shouldn’t underestimate the visitors.

West Brom have made an excellent start to the season, winning their opening two Championship matches as well as beating Rotherham 4-1 in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

That means the Baggies arrive at St James’ Park with three wins from three competitive matches and they have won their last five if friendlies are included.

So, they will fancy their chances of causing an upset and I am expecting a competitive game and a test for whatever team Jaissle selects against West Brom.

Our Best Chance of a Trophy?

Probably, as the Big 6 and especially the likes of Arsenal and City usually keep their big guns out until at least the QF.

Mind, we will be doing the same, so with a team that hasn't played together competitively and it still being early doors fitness wise... we need to get past West Brom first.

Jaissle will definitely not want to fall at the first hurdle and, as always, the luck of the draw can get you into the QF's and in sight of Wembley in the blink of an eye.

I'm going to stick my neck out, if Neave and Wolt play, and double up on my usual fiver (I'm flush from my £60 win on Sunday) and take a 3-0 win with each as the first scorer.

Another thing...

We need to record a clean sheet under Jaissle and whoever lines up in defence I'm looking for those players and the team to put that stat to bed.

And finally...

We need more reports of transfer targets and if Pardo is a 'no go' Wilson needs to bin that one and quickly move on to the next player on the list.

As I mentioned earlier; let's hope the Gonzalez signing is officially announced today.

PIF have reportedly given the green light for two more signings after Gonzalez so Wilson needs to empty the kitty by September 1st.

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