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Newcastle have historically struggled in the third round of the FA Cup but the Magpies should have little trouble progressing when they host Bromley on Sunday.
The Tyneside giants have been eliminated in the third round in seven of the last 12 campaigns, including an embarrassing defeat at home to Cambridge United at St James’ Park in 2021/22. However, the last term proved more successful than most, with Newcastle reaching the quarter-finals and edging out eventual runners-up Manchester City.
Despite past troubles, Newcastle will not mind welcoming League Two outfit Bromley. Eddie Howe is likely to make significant changes to his starting lineup, giving first-team regulars a well-earned rest and fringe players much-needed opportunities.
Here’s how Newcastle can line.
GK: Odysseus Vlachodemos – Sunday should provide third-choice Vlachodimos and only his second outing in black and white. Nick Pope is currently sidelined and Martin Dubravka could be rested amid uncertainty over his future.
RB: Kieran Trippier – Trippier’s decline has been swift and the England international now finds himself on the bench most weeks, struggling to usurp his impressive junior Tino Livramento.
CB: Fabian Schur – Having missed the last two matches through suspension and with Emile Kraft and Jamaal Lascelles both injured, first-team Shar should be present at the heart of the defence.
CB: Lloyd Kelly – There were limited opportunities for the Magpies to make summer signings and he did not feature throughout December. He should be offered his first start in the meeting with Bromley since the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United at the end of November.
LB: Matt Target – The left-back has managed just one appearance this season due to injuries and Lewis Hall’s unconvincing form. Sunday will be his first start of the campaign.
Chief Minister: Joe Willock – The midfielder featured for over an hour at former employers Arsenal midweek with Bruno Guimaraes suspended, but his Brazilian teammate could be offered another rest this weekend. Willock has managed a month without injury, which is something to celebrate.
CM: Sean Longstaff – The combative, no-nonsense midfielder will anchor the engine room against Bromley after seeing his minutes dwindle following Sandro Tonali’s return from his long-term ban.
Chief Minister: Lewis Miley – Miley was integral for Newcastle last season amid an injury crisis but the 18-year-old has battled his own fitness issues this term. Sunday could make his first start of the term.
RW: Miguel Almiron – Almiron could leave St James’ Park for MLS in the winter but the incredible winger will continue to give his all for the Magpies in the meantime.
ST: William Osula – With Callum Wilson injured and Alexander Isak rested, an opportunity should present itself for Osula. The summer recruit is still searching for his first goal for the club, although he has been largely limited to cameos.
LW: Harvey Barnes – The exceptional form of both Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon has pushed Barnes down the pecking order. The former Leicester City winger has not started since early December and could use this game as a confidence builder.
