EDDIE Howe plans to shuffle his pack and give his fringe players a chance to catch the eye against Wimbledon tonight - but Newcastle's boss insists he won't allow his side to underestimate the League Two visitors.

Having managed in the lower leagues, Howe knows how much tonight's Carabao Cup third round tie will mean to the Dons and has told his players they need to be at it to make sure they get the job done and secure a last 16 date at home to Chelsea.

Howe would love to go deep in the League Cup - a competition in which the Magpies have fared well in recent years - but Newcastle's boss will still ring the changes for tonight's game, with Will Osula, Miguel Almiron and Emil Krafth among those in line to come into the side.

"I think we will see this as an opportunity to get game-time for those who haven't but still pick a very strong team," said Howe.

"Ultimately we need to pick a team that will take us through to the next round. It's a vitally important game and our preparation will be the same as it would be for a Premier League game."

Almiron has been limited to just two minutes of league action so far this season and will be keen to impress tonight.

"Miggy will be like every other player in the squad, he wants to play and make a difference," said Howe.

"He's really valued by all of us. It's been difficult to get him the minutes he's craved but this is a moment for him to show his qualities. He's an outstanding player and athlete who has made a huge contribution."

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One of the more intriguing decisions for Howe comes in goal. Newcastle have five senior keepers on their books and yet Howe opted to play first choice Nick Pope in the second round victory at Nottingham Forest.

He's likely to give one of his deputy keepers a chance tonight, with Martin Dubravka a probable starter but it's not clear whether summer signing Odysseas Vlachodimos will feature in a matchday squad for the first time.

Howe said: "We'll have to make the right decisions and get the balance right. It's a blank canvas really. I'll look at it and try to pick the right players for this game.

“It's fair to say that it's quite unusual to have that number of established goalkeepers and we have that position, but I think we found last year to our cost injuries to goalkeepers can have a really detrimental effect on your season.

“Look, we've got strength in depth in that position, we'll enjoy having that strength. All the goalkeepers are training well, their attitudes have been excellent.

“They're all supporting Nick at the moment, who has started the season and started the season very well, so I'm enjoying seeing that battle for place."