Eddie Howe's cup winners to take centre stage at St James' Park - Our predicted NUFC XI to take on Brentford

Proper football is back on Wednesday as Newcastle United return to action at St James' Park, taking on Brentford in a 7:45pm non-televised kick-off.

Should Newcastle pick up the three points on offer tomorrow night, they will keep pace with the Champions League-chasing pack, and with a game in hand on those above them, a win tomorrow could be invaluable.

It will be Newcastle's first game since lifting the Carabao Cup aloft at Wembley thanks to an international break immediately following the final, so we will see if that good feeling will continue on the pitch.

We expect that Eddie Howe won't make any changes to the side that stepped out at Wembley. At least in terms of personnel. There's likely to be a tactical shift.

Goakeeper

Nick Pope - Popey seems to have fully re-established himself as first-choice 'keeper and certainly justified his appearance with that stunning straight-arm save at Wembley.

Defenders

Kieran Trippier - Tripps seems to be enjoying his football again after going off the boil for a while and it is showing by recent top-class performances.

Fabian Schar - The centre-back pairing picks itself these days. Mostly due to a lack of other options but also because they work so well together.

Dan Burn - Hopefully BDB hasn't started his comedown from the biggest high of his life.

Tino Livramento - Tino was a revelation on the left against Liverpool, sweeping aside any little doubt we had about him. Monumental.

Midfielders

Bruno Guimaraes (c) - Captain Bruno probably had an international break to forget but his joy at winning a cup with Newcastle has been practically unrivalled.

Sandro Tonali - The centrepiece of our midfield that has made us a force to be feared.

Joelinton - Also didn't have the best international break, but has been loving his life as a cup winner.

Forwards

Jacob Murphy - The provider. Murphy be looking to link up again with Alexander Isak after laying on the Swede's goal at Wembley.

Alexander Isak - With Erling Haaland injured, Isak has 10 games to catch the Cyborg to take second place in the race for the Golden Boot. Mo Salah probably can't be caught.

Harvey Barnes - Barnes and Livramento were sensational at Wembley. We have no problem with him stepping in during Anthony Gordon's absence.

Gordon is still suspended so won't be in the match-day squad, but Eddie Howe will have the likes of Joe Willock, Callum Wilson and Lewis Miley to call upon if needed.

Brentford have more than enough quality to cause us problems, so it won't be straightforward, but if the lads can ride that cup final wave, they should get the win comfortably.