Eddie Howe set to snub £20m Newcastle United ‘club record’ signing amid ‘unusual’ situation
Newcastle United are set to field a “very strong” starting XI against AFC Wimbledon in their Carabao Cup third-round clash at St James’ Park. The game, rescheduled for tonight with a 7:45 pm kick-off, presents an opportunity for manager Eddie Howe to rotate his squad while maintaining a competitive edge.
Among the possible changes, summer signing Will Osula is expected to make his competitive home debut. The young striker, who joined from Sheffield United, has shown promise and could add firepower to Newcastle’s attack against the League Two side. A potential change in goal is also being considered, as regular starter Nick Pope has featured in all seven of Newcastle’s Premier League matches so far this season.
Martin Dubravka, who has served as the backup goalkeeper, may be given the nod to start. However, there are other options for Howe, including experienced shot-stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos, former Wolves keeper John Ruddy, and long-serving Newcastle player Mark Gillespie. Howe has emphasized the need for balance in team selection, saying, “I think we will see this as an opportunity to give game time to those who haven’t played much, but we’ll still pick a very strong team. Ultimately, we need to field a side capable of progressing to the next round. This is a vitally important game, and our preparation will be no different than for a Premier League match.”
Newcastle’s depth in the goalkeeper position is a talking point, particularly after they set a club record with a £20 million signing of Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window. As part of the deal, midfielder Elliot Anderson moved to Forest for £35 million in a late push to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Despite his hefty price tag and impressive résumé, which includes over 200 appearances for Benfica and regular participation in the Champions League, Vlachodimos has yet to make the bench in a competitive fixture for Newcastle.
The decision to stockpile goalkeepers may seem unusual, but Howe explained the reasoning behind it, citing last season’s injury issues as a lesson. “It’s quite rare to have this many established goalkeepers, but last year showed us how crucial it is to have depth in that area. Injuries to goalkeepers can significantly impact your season,” Howe said. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the position, adding, “We have a lot of strength in depth, and it’s been great to see all the goalkeepers training well with positive attitudes. They’re all supporting Nick, who has started the season very strongly, but I’m enjoying the competition for that place.”
The clash against AFC Wimbledon represents not just a chance for rotation but also a vital step in Newcastle’s pursuit of silverware. While Howe is likely to make changes, his focus remains firmly on advancing to the next round, ensuring that the Magpies maintain their momentum in all competitions.