Tranmere tie cannot be underestimated, says Howe

The Magpies continued their unbeaten start to the 2022/23 season following a thrilling 3-3 draw against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday and quickly turn their attention to cup action when they travel to Merseyside to face the League Two outfit at Prenton Park (kick-off 7.45pm BST).

Rovers, managed by Micky Mellon, currently sit in 17th place of England's fourth tier after winning one of their opening five league matches but Howe is hoping his side apply themselves in the same manner as their recent encounter with Pep Guardiola's side in order to book their place in round three.

Here's what the Newcastle boss had to say ahead of the cup clash in Birkenhead...

On his memories of cup competitions whilst managing AFC Bournemouth and aiming to progress into round three:

"I've been on the other side of it many times and we always looked at the cup competitions as a great experience for our players and a great opportunity to impress, putting your wits against the best.

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"It was always an exciting proposition and that is why we cannot underestimate the task we have. It's a difficult place to go, I've been there many times, and Micky (Mellon) is an outstandingly, experienced manager so he is going to have his game plan and how to upset us. 

"We need to stamp our authority on the game as quickly as possible."

On injury updates, including Callum Wilson and Dan Burn who were both substituted during the Magpies' draw against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon:

"Callum's okay. He's gone for a scan and we're waiting on those results. We hope it's not too serious. With hamstrings, you have to be very careful, not just with Callum but with any player. The situation is the same (with Ryan).

"We have a few bumps and bruises. Dan Burn came off after a ball hit his head so he'll miss the game. Physically, we gave so much to the game against Manchester City at the weekend and, naturally, there were a few tired bodies.

"Matt (Targett) is doing well. He was close against Manchester City but we didn't want to take that risk. We hadn't had a big training day with him for 14 days so we felt it was probably too big a risk to start but he's very close to being fit. 

Ahead of his first League Cup tie as Newcastle manager, the significance of the Carabao Cup this term and if changes could be made ahead of facing the League Two side: 

"It's very important. I made that clear during pre-season that I want to see a team that wants to win every game we compete in. Every competition is treated with the same importance and I hope that is reflected in our performance tomorrow.

"I think there will be changes to the team but I believe in the squad we have and a lot of the players are fighting to play in the Premier League are outstanding individuals with outstanding characters."

"I've got no doubts about freshening the team up and bringing players in. The mentality has to be right from the group and that's from everyone. We have to realise that these games are very important and we are desperate to go through."

On Elliot Anderson, who is targeting a first competitive start for his boyhood club at senior level:

"Elliot's champing at the bit to be involved. He's trained very well, even at the start of this season. He hasn't appeared yet in the Premier League (this season) but his performances in training have not dipped so he's in a good place to give a good performance.

"He's definitely a contender to start tomorrow. Everything I've seen from him day-to-day has been very impressive. I'm really excited to see him play. I think he's a player who has really grown from his loan period away (at Bristol Rovers)."