Preview: Morecambe vs. Newcastle United - prediction, team news, lineups

Newcastle United face Morecambe in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday evening looking to respond to the weekend's heavy defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, the minnows welcome Premier League opposition to the Globe Arena on the back of conceding five goals at home to Cambridge United in League Two.

Match preview

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With a dominant win over West Ham United under their belt from matchday one, Steve Bruce would have been extremely confident about a repeat performance against Brighton.

However, the Magpies were thoroughly outclassed at St James' Park, leaving Bruce with much to ponder ahead of a set of fixtures which look more difficult on paper.

Despite retaining the partnership of Andy Carroll and Callum Wilson in attack, the threat from the previous week was not there, and it left Bruce's side looking one dimensional as they became more desperate in the final third until Carroll was replaced at half time.

None of the starting XI covered themselves in glory, handing the second string a window of opportunity in Wednesday's fixture against lower-league opposition.

Newcastle paid a visit to Morecambe in this competition seven years ago, requiring late goals from Shola Ameobi and Sammy Ameobi to reach the next round.

Morecambe will hope to give their next opponents an equally-tough game, although that appears unlikely given their capitulation against Cambridge United at the weekend.

All five goals were conceded during a 35-minute period in the middle of the contest, and Derek Adams may be somewhat apprehensive ahead of welcoming Premier League opposition to the North-West coast.

On a more positive note, back-to-back wins against Cheltenham Town and Oldham Athletic had been recorded in the games before Saturday's demise, suggesting that the Shrimps are capable of putting together solid performances on their day.

Morecambe sit in 14th spot in League Two with two games having been played this month.

Morecambe EFL Cup form: DW

Morecambe form (all competitions): DLWWL

Newcastle United EFL Cup form: W

Newcastle United form (all competitions): WWL

Team News

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Bruce is expected to make widespread changes to the team which began Sunday's encounter with Brighton.

Despite playing the entire second half against the Seagulls, Miguel Almiron should partner Joelinton in attack.

Christian Atsu is in contention to start after Ryan Fraser came on as a first-half substitute at the weekend.

With Jake Turner unable to face his parent club, Mark Halsted will come into the Morecambe starting lineup.

John O'Sullivan and Jordan Slew will hope to be handed a recall to the first XI on the flanks.

Morecambe possible starting lineup:

Halsted; Mellor, Knight-Percival, Davis, Hendrie; Diagouraga, Wildig; O'Sullivan, Gomes, Slew; McAlinden

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Gillespie; Yedlin, Krafth, Clark, Manquillo; Ritchie, Barlaser, S.Longstaff, Atsu; Almiron, Joelinton

We say: Morecambe 0-3 Newcastle United

Although Newcastle will make plenty of alterations for this contest, we expect one-way traffic in the North-West. Many players have a point to prove to Bruce, and that extra motivation should come out against opponents who will be wary of succumbing to another setback by a wide margin.

Top betting tip

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