Newcastle United have been backed to start Lewis Hall in the Magpies’ Carabao Cup clash away at Manchester United on Wednesday night.
TalkSPORT pundit Micky Gray, speaking on the radio station, believes the 19-year-old Newcastle talent is one of several players that could make the Magpies starting XI.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is likely to make some changes to his starting line-up, with an eye on the weekend’s huge Premier League home meeting with Arsenal.
Hall is one of those likely to make the starting XI. The summer signing has been training well following a disrupted pre-season at his former club.
Indeed, Howe spoke highly of the youngster at his pre-match press conference, saying “he’s a player we really like” and his versatility is something Newcastle “are going to need”.
Gray acknowledged that, with the Magpies having some injury issues, there could be numerous changes to the starting XI.
“He’s got injury concerns himself, I think Botman, Harvey Barnes, Isak is another one as well that’s going to be missing as well,” he said on talkSPORT (1 November 2023, 8:12am).
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“So, it gives the fringe players if you like an opportunity. But when you look at Newcastle’s squad, it’s a strong squad.
“I mean, Lewis Hall came from Chelsea, Matt Targett who’s not played quite a lot as well, Paul Dummett…
“I think those types of players will be given their opportunity tonight because as you mentioned, they’ve got a busy week coming up.”
Lewis Hall looks like an exciting talent for Newcastle
Newcastle signed Hall from Chelsea in August, the Magpies sealing a loan deal with an obligation to buy for up to £35million.
As per Sky Sports, the St James’ Park outfit will pay £28million to the Blues on completion of the season-long loan, with potential £7million in add-ons.
Hall has made two appearances for the Magpies so far – a Carabao Cup start and a Premier League outing off the bench.
The ‘amazing‘ talent has been finding his feet at St James’ Park, and Howe has made a name for himself with regards to giving players time to do so rather than throwing them in at the deep end.
Hopefully we’ll get to see Hall from the start against the Red Devils, He should be much sharper than was the case against Man City.