Howe considering changes for Palace visit

The Magpies face the Eagles under the lights for a place in the fourth round, with head coach Howe reporting no new injury concerns following Sunday's emphatic 4-1 Premier League win at Southampton.

United's fine form has lifted them into the division's top three and Howe reckons he's in a fortunate situation as he ponders whether to give some of his fringe players gametime against Patrick Vieira's men, with Saturday's visit of Chelsea also on Newcastle's radar.

Here's what Howe had to say at his pre-match media briefing at the Magpies' Benton training base on Tuesday morning:

On his team selection dilemma ahead of the midweek game...

"I think we've got a combination of a few situations. We've got a lot of players who are eager to play and show their qualities. We do have a number of games this week, a very tight turnaround - six days, three games - so we'll try and make the right call for the team while acknowledging that we are desperate to progress in the competition and we want to do well in it. I've got to make those choices and get the balance of the team right."

On youngster Elliot Anderson's chances of a start...

"He'll be one of a number of players pushing. When you look at the squad we picked for Southampton, and you look to the lads who didn't start, there's a lot of quality there - a lot of players who have done very well historically in the team.

"I've got no doubts about their ability to come in and do well, if they're given the opportunity. I think it's a great position for me to be in."

On the importance of the domestic cups to United this term, and the boost provided by a home tie...

"The league form is, of course, so important to us as well, but we want to do well in the cups. In every competition we enter, we want to try and give the best representation of ourselves. I said in the very early early days here that my dream was to try and win something for Newcastle, and that hasn't changed.

"I think naturally when you go into a cup draw, the first thing you want is a home tie. We're always so proud to play in front of our own supporters, and I think when you have a quick turnaround - three games in six days - the fact that we've got the next two at home is a big lift for us."

On Crystal Palace and their boss Patrick Vieira...

"I think they're a very well coached team. I think they've slowly but surely changed the philosophy of play. I think now you see a team that consistently plays out from the back, they've got a clear method in their build-up, and very good, talented players - very dangerous players in the forward areas. I think Patrick's done a brilliant job, he continues to improve the team, and we know it will be a tough game."

On Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier's availability...

"Callum's OK. He's been feeling an illness for a few days, so a little bit run down. We'll see how he is today.

"No problems with Kieran. I think it always looks probably more than it is when a physio comes onto the pitch but he came out second half (at Southampton), he was fine, and it was my decision to take him off."

On what he is hoping for from his second year at Newcastle United...

"Hopefully more of the same, in the sense of what we've delivered this season, really. I think changes will happen in terms of the external forces that will work maybe against us, in terms of expectation and other things that can come into play. I think we've just got to try and stay under that and away from that, and just concentrate on what we're delivering as best we can, so really just focus on the football and the principles behind our game.

"Who knows - you can't predict football. That's why everyone loves the game so much - you can never tell what's going to happen. The only thing we can control is our effort levels and our commitment to what we're doing."