Newcastle have historically struggled in the third round of the FA Cup, but the Magpies should have little trouble progressing on Sunday when they host Bromley.
The Tyneside giants have been eliminated in the third round in seven of their last 12 campaigns, including an embarrassing home defeat to Cambridge United at St James’ Park in 2021/22. However, last term proved more successful than most, with Newcastle reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual runners-up Manchester City.
Despite their past struggles, Newcastle will have no problem welcoming League Two side Bromley. Eddie Howe is likely to make significant changes to his starting line-up, giving first-team regulars a well-deserved rest and giving fringe players a much-needed opportunity.
Here’s how Newcastle could arrange.
GK: Odysseas Vlachodimos – Sunday should give the third choice Vlachodimos only his second appearance in the black and white jersey. Nick Pope is currently sidelined and Martin Dubravka could be rested due to 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 Schar – Having missed the last two games due to suspension and with Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles injured, first-teamer Schar should feature in the center of defence.
CB: Lloyd Kelly – The summer signing had limited opportunities for the Magpies and did not feature throughout December. The meeting with Bromley should offer him his first start since the 2-0 defeat by West Ham United at the end of November.
LB: Matt Targett – The left-back has only made one appearance this season due to injuries and the incredible form of Lewis Hall. Sunday will be his first start of the campaign.
CM: Joe Willock – The midfielder featured for over an hour at former employers Arsenal in midweek with Bruno Guimaraes suspended, but his Brazilian team-mate may be offered another rest this weekend. Willock 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 who have seen their playing time reduced following the return of Sandro Tonali from his long-term ban.
CM: Lewis Miley – Miley was an integral part of Newcastle last season amid an injury crisis, but the 18-year-old has struggled with his own fitness issues this season. Sunday could serve as his first start this term.
RW: Miguel Almiron – Almiron could leave St James’ Park for MLS over the winter, but the tireless winger will continue to do his best for the Magpies in the meantime.
ST: William Osula – With Callum Wilson injured and Alexander Isak on rest, an opportunity should arise for Osula. The summer signing 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 pushed Barnes downhill. The former Leicester City winger has not started since early December and could use this game as a confidence-builder.
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