Newcastle United’s journey to defending the EFL Cup will begin against Bradford City tonight, and the starting line-up could be different from the one Magpies fans are used to seeing.
While Eddie Howe’s men will be aiming to avoid being the next team to be “pecked by the chickens,” the Newcastle boss is expected to heavily rotate his squad.
Given the Magpies’ high number of games in the coming weeks due to being in the Champions League, this fixture will be seen as a chance to rest a few first-team players.
While Newcastle will be sure not to overlook Bradford, given that they’re top of League One right now, this fixture should present an opportunity for some of the club’s younger players.
Alex Murphy
Alex Murphy is one of Newcastle’s promising young defenders who might be allowed to feature against Bradford. He can play as a centre-back or left-back, giving Howe several ways of using him.
The fixture against Bradford is sure to be physical due to Graham Alexander’s side’s style, and that would be a great test for the Under-21s star.
He might be brought on from the bench rather than from the first whistle, but even being involved in the matchday squad will be beneficial.
Lewis Hall
Lewis Hall is a name that Newcastle fans are very familiar with. He is one of Howe’s first-choice defenders and has already represented England.
However, after his foot injury last season, the left-back has been slowly reintroduced to the squad this season, with the Magpies taking it steady with his game time.
This fixture will be seen as an opportunity for him to get more minutes under his belt while also adding some real quality and experience to the squad.
Despite only being 21 years old, Hall is seen as one of the strongest players in the Newcastle squad, and that’s something that should serve the team well from any attacking threats Bradford provide.
Sean Neave
Sean Neave has yet to make his senior debut for Newcastle, but the striker has been performing well at the Under-21s level and is certainly ready to be given an opportunity to showcase himself.
He has trained with Howe’s first-team squad throughout the past year; therefore, he will be familiar with the group, and an opportunity at this level is what he needs to start progressing.
While Neave might not be used from the start, he could be handed some minutes from the bench later on if the fixture is going well for the Magpies.
William Osula
Newcastle United are currently a little thin in the striking department, which has led to Anthony Gordon even being used in a false nine role at times this season. However, William Osula is a natural frontman.
The 22-year-old has featured in all five of Newcastle’s Premier League games this season, but he only started on the opening day. Since then, he’s been used off the bench in cameo roles, but tonight might be another opportunity to get 90 minutes.
Osula has scored once this season in the Premier League and has shown glimpses of real quality with his finishing. However, it has been tough for him to make an impact without an extended run in the side.
Park Seung-soo
Park Seung-soo is one of the young players at Newcastle who fans are most excited about due to the hype surrounding him and his potential.
When the Magpies signed him, the Premier League’s official website compared the winger to Kylian Mbappe, which is one reason why fans are desperate to see him in action.
He was left out of the most recent Newcastle Under-21s game, which might have been done to ensure he’s fit enough to feature against Bradford.
Getting an opportunity at St. James’ Park will be a big one for him, and after being the youngest player in history to debut, score, and assist in the K League, he will be keen to prove he’s ready to thrive for Newcastle, too.
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