Andy Carroll has been handed just his fifth start of the season as Newcastle United take on Manchester City in the last eight of the FA Cup.
Carroll hasn’t played from the off for Newcastle since Everton’s visit to St. James’ Park in December. Tonight, however, he has been chosen to lead the line as United take part in their first FA Cup quarter final since 2006.
There are three other changes to the side which drew 1-1 at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday night, with Karl Darlow, Fabian Schär and Sean Longstaff all coming into the Magpies’ starting XI.
Darlow has played every minute in the competition so far this season, and replaces Martin Dúbravka between the sticks. Schär and Longstaff, meanwhile, come in for Matt Ritchie – who sits out tonight’s clash with a soft tissue injury – and Jonjo Shelvey. Schär can be expected to join Federico Fernández and Jamaal Lascelles in the heart of the backline as Steve Bruce reverts to a five-man defence.
Yoshinori Muto, Dwight Gayle and Joelinton are among a host of attacking options on the bench, where there is also a spot for Matty Longstaff, who has yet to play since the season’s resumption.
Newcastle United: Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernández, Danny Rose, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almirón, Andy Carroll.
Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, Emil Krafth, DeAndre Yedlin, Matty Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey, Valentino Lazaro, Yoshinori Muto, Dwight Gayle, Joelinton.