Newcastle United are in action at home to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup this evening, with Eddie Howe's side looking to continue the relentless form that they have showcased in the Premier League so far this term.

The Magpies have lost just once in 14 top-flight games so far this season to ensure that Champions League qualification is now a very real possibility, with the northeast side having enjoyed a real turnaround in fortunes since the days of merely fighting for survival in the Mike Ashley era.

Adding a cup triumph this season would be another stepping stone towards where the ambitious outfit want to be, with the Tynesiders likely hoping to continue their bid to end the 53-year silverware drought that has plagued the club.

That being said, tonight's encounter at St James' Park could well prove to be an opportune time for Howe to shuffle his pack and hand some much-needed minutes to some of his fringe assets, as well as potentially promoting from the academy set-up.

One youngster who could well be deserving of an inclusion against Patrick Vieira's side is Josh Scott, with the 20-year-old prospect still waiting for his first taste of senior action despite impressing in the youth ranks.

While a left-back by trade, the Englishman has thrived in a more advanced role on the flanks so far this season, having enjoyed a "fine run in front of goal", according to Chronicle reporter, Chris Knight.

That hot streak has seen the wide man score four goals and provide one assist in just his last six Premier League 2 appearances, including two goal involvements in the defeat to Leeds United on Monday.

The Gateshead-born starlet now boasts a haul of five goals and four assists in 48 games at U21 level, having also previously provided eight goal contributions in 39 games for the club's U18 side.

Unleashing such a creative talent could well provide Howe with the opportunity to hand a rest to the likes of Miguel Almiron - who has netted an impressive eight league goals this season - as well as allowing the youngster the chance to prove whether he can translate his form in the youth set-up to the first-team.

Supporters would no doubt rather see the exciting Scott earn his senior bow instead of witnessing the same old peripheral figures get a run out in the side, such as winger Ryan Fraser, with the Scotland international no doubt having had enough chances to prove his worth in recent seasons.

The diminutive 28-year-old has failed to provide a single goal or assist in eight league games so far this term, with his total tally at the club now standing at just three goals and six assists since joining from Bournemouth on a free transfer in the summer of 2020.

That is a rather measly return for any forward player, hence the undoubted preference to see Scott given the nod on the flanks against the Eagles.