5 Newcastle players pushing for rare starts tonight – Ones to watch vs Bradford City

Newcastle United are back in action at St James’ Park tonight, starting the Carabao Cup defence against League One leaders Bradford City.

Eddie Howe has vowed to pick a “strong team”, focusing all of our attention on making it through to the last 16 of the cup before we consider Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.

However, tonight will almost certainly feature a mixture of first team stars and fringe players eager to impress, meaning the following five could be handed rare opportunities to impress come 7.45pm:

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Yet to appear this season and will want minutes after arriving on loan with an option to buy. Impressed in the pre-season meeting with Espanyol, saving a penalty and showing his ability to play out from the back, and should come in for Nick Pope tonight.