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Rafa to rotate for Carabao Cup clash
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Rafa Benítez is set to rotate his squad for Newcastle United’s Second Round Carabao Cup tie at home to Nottingham Forest.
The Magpies welcome the Championship outfit to St. James’ Park without a win – or a goal – to their name this season, having suffered a second consecutive Premier League defeat at Huddersfield Town on Sunday.
In contrast, Wednesday’s opponents have started the campaign brightly, and sit fourth in the second tier after three wins in four.
Newcastle progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition last term – equalling their best run since they made it to the final in 1976.
Benítez is hopeful his side can produce something similar this time out, but as they look to do so, he spoke of his intention to shuffle his pack.
“It’s like last season, we were talking about every game, and I always say the same – it is one game at a time. In this case, we have a cup competition where we will try to do well – we did well last year – but at the same time, I didn’t lie last year and I will not lie this year – we have to use the squad,” he said.
“Two days after a game, I cannot go and pick the same players, and pick another team two days later that has to win in the league. So, we have to use the squad we have to try and progress. If we can do it, it means we are strong enough to progress in the competition. If we cannot, we cannot.
“With cup competitions, you have to approach them with ambition, trying to do your best with the squad you have at the moment, and hopefully you can progress.”
Forest recorded an impressive victory over Middlesbrough at the City Ground on Saturday, and Benítez does not expect counterpart Mark Warburton to alter his approach for Wednesday’s clash.
“They have changed a lot of things (recently) – directors, the manager – and they are doing really well,” he said. “I know the manager. He is a very good manager. They know how to play, and how to put players in the right position in terms of what they want.
“They will try to play the kind of football they like to play. They will pass the ball, they will be well-organised, and they will press. Maybe they will change some players – like us – but it has to be like this when you have so many games, and so many important games.”
"With cup competitions, you have to approach them with ambition, trying to do your best with the squad you have at the moment, and hopefully you can progress."