Matthias Jaissle has vowed to pick a strong side when Newcastle face Everton in tonight's Carabao Cup tie

Matthias Jaissle is in no doubt how important tonight's Carabao Cup tie is to Newcastle United and their fanbase. While some write the competition off, the Magpies are in it to win it, especially with no European fixtures this season.

The head coach has pledged to field a strong side against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and has hinted that there won't be many changes - if any - from the side which beat Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Jaissle made five changes for that game and while there is still plenty to improve, United looked solid and created chances - especially in that 15-minute spell after half-time.

There are one of two rotation options, however, should he want to keep things fresh, especially with Toffees heading to St James' Park on Monday night.

Our team of NUFC writers have picked their sides they would field tonight, and there's your chance to pick your starting XI below.

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Lee Ryder

I think this is Newcastle United's best chance of a trophy this season with several big guns now out of the cup. That's why Jaissle can't afford to make too many changes, but he can be sensible.

Arsenal saw how disrespecting the competition can backfire and while Newcastle go in against stronger opponents than Fleetwood they must still be careful. I'd bring in Anthony Elanga from the start as this is the perfect night to get an hour in his legs after injury.

I would also hand Sean Steur a chance to bring some energy to the midfield and give Bazoumana Toure his opportunity from the start. The likes of Joelinton, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy should be rested for the Premier League game. But my XI should have plenty of options on the bench and still have enough to beat the Toffees.

My NUFC XI: Hornicek, Dedic, Schar, Burn, Hall, Steur, Gonzalez, Wissa, Toure, Elanga, Osula

Sean McCormick

The old adage is don't change a winning team and if Matthias Jaissle really is 'all in' on the Carabao Cup and respecting the club's recent history in the competition, I don't expect many, if any, changes.

Jaissle is well aware of the huge backing Newcastle's travelling supporters will give his side on Thursday evening and the second half at Crystal Palace felt like a real sign of progress. It would be silly to change anything, unless there is a load management need to so.

The back four looked more solid, Nico Gonzalez had his best game for two months alongside Joelinton and Will Osula looked a much bigger threat up front. More of the same at Everton, please.

My NUFC XI: Hornicek; Dedic, Schar, Burn, Hall; Gonzalez, Joelinton; Murphy, Willock, Barnes; Osula

Stuart Jamieson

I don't blame Matthias Jaissle for not wanting to change too much, but I would still make a few tweaks to the forward line tonight. Just purely in terms of giving returning players some minutes, I'm going for three changes, all up top.

Anthony Elanga comes in on the right-hand side for Jacob Murphy, with Jacob Ramsey then replacing Joe Willock in the No 10. I think he's the most natural fit here, so it would be sensible to give him a chance on Merseyside.

I'm also giving Harvey Barnes a rest and Bazoumana Toure the chance to show what he can do from the start. Players aren't going to improve sitting on the bench, and this one is worth a gamble.

That leaves the backline and central midfield duo unchanged, keeping that stability Jaissle wants.

My NUFC XI: Hornicek, Dedic, Schar, Burn, Hall, Gonzalez, Joelinton, Ramsey, Elanga, Toure, Osula.

Ross Gregory

Play it again, Matt!

If everyone has come through Sunday’s win over Palace fit and well, then I don’t see a need to make many, if any, changes. Jaissle needs to settle on a team, get them used to playing together and forming relationships.

Lewis Hall could possibly do with a rest; the likes of Will Osula, Amar Dedic and Dan Burn need to be watched after returning from lengthy injuries; and I’m keen to get Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey back in the team.

But for now, same starting XI but making plenty changes from the bench in the second half.

My NUFC XI: Hornicek, Dedic, Schar, Burn, Hall; Gonzalez, Joelinton, Willock; Murphy, Osula, Barnes

Pick your NUFC XI

Are you making changes for tonight's cup match? Pick your XI from the squad below.