It's Tonali Time - Eddie Howe names his Starting XI for Newcastle to face Nottingham Forest

Newcastle United take on Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup second round tonight at 8pm live on Sky Sports.

Tonight's game sees the return of £55 million signing Sandro Tonali after completing his 10-month ban for breaching football's betting rules.

The big question leading up to the game was whether or not Eddie Howe would be bold enough to throw Tonali back into the starting lineup straight away.

We also expected the gaffer to make several changes from the side that struggled to a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Sunday.

Sandro Tonali is reinstated to the starting XI after 10 months out

As we suspected, Tonali was thrown in at the deep end, straight into the starting lineup.

We also suggested that Will Osula might be given the nod to start tonight but Howe has stuck with Alexander Isak.

Harvey Barnes gives Anthony Gordon a breather on the left of the attack with Miguel Almiron stepping in on the right.

Kieran Trippier takes the armband for tonight's game

Sandro Tonali is joined by Joe Willock and Joelinton in the midfield with Bruno Guimaraes dropping to the bench.

The reinstated Kieran Trippier takes over the captain's armband for tonight's game with Tino Livramento sitting this one out next to Bruno.

Lloyd Kelly is also relegated to the bench with Lewis Hall reinstated at left-back as we suspected giving his ability to get forward and put Newcastle on the attack.

It's a strong side and hopefully this is the game that kicks our season off after a couple of poor performances. HOWAY THE LADS!