Six Changes as Newcastle Shake Things Up for Fulham Cup Quarter-Final
So, all eyes are on St. James’ Park tonight as Newcastle United host Fulham in a Carabao Cup quarter-final that already feels loaded with storylines. Coming off a frustrating derby defeat to Sunderland in the league, changes were expected, and Eddie Howe has delivered them in a big way. In fact, six alterations have been made to the starting lineup, signaling both rotation and intent as Newcastle look to reset and refocus under the lights.
The headline news is Yoane Wissa, who is set to make his full debut for the Magpies. The summer signing arrives with plenty of expectation, and his inclusion suggests a willingness to inject fresh energy into the attack. He is one of several players drafted in after the weekend setback, with Fabian Schär, Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, and Joe Willock also coming into the XI. It’s a clear statement that the cup matters, and momentum is being chased.
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Some continuity remains, though. Aaron Ramsdale keeps his place between the posts, while Tino Livramento, Malick Thiaw, Bruno Guimarães, and young Lewis Miley are trusted again to start. Guimarães, wearing the captain’s armband, is expected to be central to how Newcastle control the tempo, especially against a Fulham side that has been in decent form.
There are notable absences too. Dan Burn has been ruled out after picking up a rib injury and lung issue following a heavy first-half challenge in the Sunderland match. Meanwhile, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, and Nick Woltemade have all been named on the bench. Their presence there still matters, because this game could easily swing on substitutions if it stays tight.
Joelinton, in particular, carries a bit of history with him. If he’s introduced at any point, he will equal Rob Lee’s club record of 23 appearances in the League Cup. He’s also no stranger to scoring in this competition, having already netted six times, putting him among some legendary Newcastle names. Discipline will be key tonight as well, because bookings for Thiaw, Joelinton, or Schär would result in suspension for a potential semi-final first leg.
There’s also a sense of the future being woven in. Eighteen-year-old full-back Leo Shahar has been named among the substitutes and could make his senior debut, which adds another layer of intrigue to the evening.
All of this sets the stage for a fascinating cup tie. Newcastle are looking for a response, Fulham are chasing a big away scalp, and with rotation, debuts, and records all in play, this quarter-final already feels like more than just another midweek match.
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