Newcastle United players sent stark warning ahead of Chelsea double-header

Eddie Howe says he will use today's game at Chelsea to inform his own choices ahead of the midweek Carabao Cup tie against the Blues at St James' Park.

With one road to Wembley on the line on Tyneside next week, Howe revealed he does not have any type of rotation policy in mind for the clash against Enzo Maresca. That is in stark contrast to the ex-Fiorentina and Sampdoria star who has an embarrassment of riches, even having the power to leave Cole Palmer out of his Europa Conference League squads in the first half of the season.

Howe has a number of players knocking on the door for game-time including Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff but he will decide his cup XI after the encounter at Stamford Bridge today.

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Howe said: "I'm just looking at the single game at the moment. I think we'll learn a lot from the first game actually to take into the second game.

"Rotation? We've got some very good players so I'll try and make decisions after the game based on the information I get in the game. Whoever is right physically. Whatever positions we could rotate in.

"If I feel playing the same teams gives us the best chance in the second match I'll do that."

It remains to be seen which way Howe goes with his midfield three against Chelsea this afternoon with Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali not living up to the hype forecasted in the summer before the Italy star returned from his ban. Back then the players were deemed a "dream midfield trio" but Howe has plenty to think about, not least given form has actually slumped since Longstaff came out of the team.

He said: "It all depends on how players play. Of course, I'm always looking at the training and reviewing training and seeing if there's a better dynamic, a better mix."