AFTER ringing the changes at Sheffield Wednesday, Eddie Howe will bring back his big guns against Leicester City for the "biggest game" of Newcastle United's season so far.

United have the chance to bounce back from their FA Cup shocker in the best possible fashion by booking a spot in the last four of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

And Howe, as expected, has vowed to name as strong a side as possible, with Callum Wilson poised to start and Alexander Isak possibly set to feature after his return at Hillsborough.

For the Magpies, it's a chance to reach the last four of a domestic cup competition for the first time since 2005, when Graeme Souness's side lost to Manchester United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"This is the biggest game of our season, because it is the next game, but it does have a special meaning, we understand that," said head coach Howe.

"We'll be going full strength to win the match."

Howe and Newcastle have assessed Allan Saint-Maximin since he was forced to miss the Sheffield Wednesday defeat with illness and will make a late call on his involvement.

But after coming through his return unscathed, Isak is expected to play some part against the Foxes, with Howe to decide whether a start for the Swedish striker is too much to ask just three days after his first appearance in more than four months.

"He’s getting closer," said Howe of Isak.

"Hopefully Saturday will have done him good and he’ll be involved. We want him fit and available as quickly as possible. I felt that 45 minutes was his maximum on Saturday."

Howe added: "Allan, I don’t know, we’ll have to wait and see. Callum (Wilson) I expect to be back.  Fingers crossed, Nick (Pope) and Fabian (Schar) will also be back."

READ MORE:

Howe felt his hand was forced with his team selection at Sheffield Wednesday, particularly with the game not kicking-off until 6pm, which meant his side had just over 72 hours to recover before the visit of Leicester.

But he admits the defeat to the Owls adds an extra layer of importance to the sold-out quarter-final clash.

He said: "Saturday’s game, the timing, that was difficult because of Tuesday’s game. It was a very quick turnaround on the back of a congested league period. But the Carabao Cup, in the latter stages, now takes on huge importance."

Howe apologised to the Newcastle fans for Saturday night’s performance and defeat and said: “We’re determined to put it right.”