All the build up to this week’s Carabao Cup game has been dominated by thoughts of a sighting at long last of Newcastle’s Invisible Man Sandro Tonali, a £52m recluse we are delighted to have walk amongst us again.
However United’s Cup tie at Nottingham Forest is for the opposition about Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood, sold under the current regime, exacting their form of retribution.
For me it is also about something else that ought not to be forgotten. This early round confrontation may be between two Premier League clubs which suggests genuine challenge but it is still an opportunity for United to progress along a path towards a successful Wembley cup final appearance and rare silverware _ the first domestic trophy in 69 years and first league cup ever.
When you have been starved for as long as we have that is not to be sniffed at or turned down lightly. Upon his coronation as United’s new skipper Bruno reminded us how desperate he is to win Geordies a trophy. Let his desire be contagious. Until the drought is ended the Magpies will continue to go nowhere fast.
Of course Tonali only adds spice to the dish because at some time he will take part in the action. Big money was spent on a big player, a Serie A winner and Italian international, and therefore much is anticipated. However Sandro must be allowed time. After 10 months out rust has inevitably accumulated.
If a domestic cup-tie these days normally signals team changes bringing as it does three matches in a week then the likes of Harvey Barnes, Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock put themselves forward in any case with their lively performances from the bench at Bournemouth.
Regardless of the cup-tie when Miggy Almiron may be given a chance on rotation the best solution to United’s right wing problem for Spurs on Sunday in my opinion is Anthony Gordon on the right and Barnes on t’other flank. If it is a three-way call for a starting birth then Barnes must be ahead of Jacob Murphy and Almiron even if it means switching Gordon from his favoured side. Murphy I’m afraid has failed to take his opportunity after forcing his way into contention.
Who Forest will field and who will be rested is also open to speculation making any forecast on outcome doubly difficult. However after a patchy performance on the south coast the Magpies need to get back on the front foot because the feeling remains that they are vulnerable when not within fortress SJP.
We’re getting pretty sick of Forest actually. This is the third time in eight seasons Newcastle have met them in this competition and before the year is out the Mags will have played those in red three times during 2024 all at their place. United won 3-2 at the City Ground in February and after cup hostilities we are back in the PL during November.
