Newcastle United take on Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup at St James' Park this evening, with Eddie Howe's side going into that upcoming clash having won four successive games in the Premier League to move up to third place in the table.

Almost exactly a year on from the Englishman's arrival at the club in place of Steve Bruce, the Magpies' previous woes now appear something of a distant memory, with the club now eyeing life in the Champions League rather than fearing a return to the Championship.

The icing on the cake for the northeast side this season could well be a trophy success, with the club having endured a lengthy barren run without silverware following their last triumph which came in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup back in 1969.

Last term proved particularly grim having fallen at the first hurdle in both the FA Cup and the League Cup, although Howe's men have already progressed further in the latter competition after edging past Tranmere Rovers in the previous round.

Ahead of their next challenge against the Eagles, here's how Football FanCast predicts that the hosts will line up...

Newcastle still have a number of long-term injury absentees - including summer signing Alexander Isak - while it may be wise to hand a rest to World Cup hopefuls Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson, with the English pair having both been forced off at the weekend.

With that in mind, we predicted that there will be nine changes from the side that hit four past Southampton on Sunday, with second-choice 'keeper Karl Darlow set to come in between the sticks, with Switzerland international Fabian Schar the only man to keep his place in the backline.

The impressive centre-back will likely be partnered by club captain Jamaal Lascelles, while the full-back berths could well be taken up by Javier Manquillo and Matt Targett, with the latter man hoping to stake his claim for a more regular role.

In midfield, Brazilian star Bruno Guimaraes - who netted a later stunner at St Mary's - could be joined by Jonjo Shelvey and teenage gem Elliot Anderson, with the latter duo making their return to full fitness.

As for the forward line, it could be an ideal opportunity to rest current talisman Miguel Almiron, with fleet-footed Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin and 20-year-old starlet Josh Scott potential alternatives on the flanks, with the wonderkid deserving of a senior debut after netting four goals in his last six Premier League 2 games.

The inclusion of the promising talent should see Jacob Murphy make way, while striker Chris Wood will hope to add to his rare goal against the Saints.