Benitez - 'We Have To Be Ready'

By Lee Marshall

Rafa Benítez is preparing to ring the changes for Tuesday's EFL Cup tie with Cheltenham Town - but has insisted every player must be prepared to step in and win.

The Magpies go into the game on the back of two straight Sky Bet Championship victories, with Wednesday's 4-1 victory over Reading quickly followed by a 1-0 win at Bristol City on Saturday.

And with the fixtures coming thick and fast, Benítez is urging his squad to be ready to maintain winning momentum by recording a round two victory over the Robins.

"We have to get used to winning games," Benítez said. "We have to be stronger and be sure we can win against anyone.

"I've told the players that we have to approach the game like it's the most important.

"I don't know how many but we will change players. We have had two games in a few days and this will be the third - I don't want to take risks with anyone.

"It has to be a team on the pitch that is capable and I have to be convinced that they can win."

Striker Aleksandar Mitrović is likely to lead the line for United on Tuesday evening after Benítez hinted at a return to action for the Serbian following a four-match suspension

"We didn't have too many options up front," Benítez added.

"Mitrović is a different kind of striker. He is strong and can give us some physicality too.

"To train hard and not to play is always difficult for any player so I hope he will do well and he will give us something different.

"It is a good opportunity for him."