Newcastle United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers. Carabao Cup Round 3.
St James' Park, NewcastleAttendance34,735.
Tuesday 20 September 2016 19:27, UK
Rafael Benitez will await a decision from disciplinary chiefs ahead of Newcastle's EFL Cup third-round clash with Wolves after launching an appeal against Vurnon Anita's dismissal at the weekend.
The Dutchman was shown a straight red card by referee Tim Robinson for a late challenge on Ivan Cavaleiro during his side's 2-0 Sky Bet Championship defeat by the same opposition, but the Magpies hope to have that decision overturned.
Benitez has otherwise hinted that he will make changes for the tie with striker Daryl Murphy still awaiting a first appearance for his new club and midfielder Christian Atsu yet to start a game.
Team news
Goalkeeper Rob Elliot, defender Massadio Haidara (both knee) and midfielder Rolando Aarons (fractured metatarsal) are still out, while full-back Jesus Gamez is struggling with a calf problem.
Wolves boss Walter Zenga could be tempted to stick with an unchanged side for the first time following the win at St James' Park.
Romain Saiss made his debut on Saturday but summer signings Silvio and Ola John are waiting to make their first appearances for the club.
Nouha Dicko is closing in on a comeback from a knee injury after being out for a year but he has returned to training.
Mike Williamson (glute) is out until 2017 while Michal Zyro and Jordan Graham continue to battle long-term knee injuries, although Graham is expected back in October.
Opta stats
These two sides have never met in the League Cup.
Newcastle haven't beaten Wolves in a domestic cup match since the 1951 FA Cup semi-final replay, drawing two and losing three since then.
Wolves have been eliminated from each of their last nine League Cup games against sides from the same division as them.
Wolves have lost their last three League Cup games away from home, conceding 10 goals and failing to score themselves.
This will be Newcastle's fourth consecutive home game in the competition, winning two and losing one of the previous three.
Charlie predicts
It's a re-run of the weekend after a big result for Wolves. Walter Zenga got a response after slaughtering his players.
Benitez will be demanding the response this time and while it might not be a classic performance, I think the likes of Dwight Gayle will be determined to prove they're better than what we saw on Saturday.
Charlie predicts: Newcastle 1-0 Wolves, Gayle to score first (16/1 with Sky Bet)
