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Newcastle United name surprise starter on FA Cup team sheet vs Bromley

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Eddie Howe threw in a slight surprise on FA Cup third round day when naming his line-up for the clash against Bromley.

The Newcastle United boss named Martin Dubravka in his starting line-up in a move that raise eyebrows given many had predicted a long awaited start for Odysseas Vlachodimos. But it was the Slovakia star - fresh from contract talks - that got the nod for the encounter against League Two Bromley.

Howe selected a much-changed side with Kieran Trippier coming in as captain and Matt Targett named as left-back. Fabian Schar returned from suspension to face the lower league side and he partnered Lloyd Kelly in the middle.

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In midfield Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Lewis Miley were all named in Howe's side. Harvey Barnes, Will Osula and Miguel Almiron led the line.

As Chronicle Live reported on Friday, Howe said even if Dubravka stayed and played a couple more times this season that would be deemed the "right decision" from a football point of view - especially if he helps Newcastle book their place in the Carabao Cup final should Nick Pope's injury issues continue.

In total Howe made nine changes with experience on the bench coming from Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. The Greek international keeper was only named as sub.

Sources in Saudi Arabia say that Dubravka was handed a 48-hour weekend ultimatum to sign or the club will move on to other targets. Dubravka's dilemma is the prospect of turning down a fortune in Saudi knowing he could be back on the bench within a fortnight on Tyneside.