'Grab your opportunity' in cup game, says Howe

Eddie Howe has challenged his Newcastle United stars to 'grab the opportunity' if called upon in tonight's Carabao Cup game against Bradford City at St James' Park.

- by Dominic Scurr

Howe is expected to rotate his squad after the Magpies hosted Barcelona in the Champions League last Thursday, before Sunday's trip to AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.

While the Toon boss insists he does not want players to 'lose rhythm', that could mean a rest for the likes of Nick Pope, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn and Sandro Tonali - all of whom have started United's last three games.

And whoever does start against the League One leaders must, Howe warned, take their chance and perform.

"There'll be an element of rotation again," Howe said.

"The guys that have played three times last week we might look to give them a rest.