Newcastle manager Chris Hughton believes today’s Carling Cup game against Arsenal is a good opportunity to make changes and rest key players.

Speaking ahead of the fourth round Carling Cup game, he explained how he will give 2nd-choice players the chance to shine against the Gunners although he is unsure on the number of changes to be carried out. Hughton said how playing at home means the support of the local crown can help the Magpies produce another major upset after eliminating Chelsea in the previous round.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed strikers Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela are all back and will start together with defender Laurent Koscielny, who recovered from a back problem.

Arsenal and Newcastle will face each other on Wednesday at 19:45 in fourth round Carling Cup action. On Tuesday, Manchester United needed a late Hernandez goal to move through on a day which saw West Bromwich, Birmingham and Wigan Athletic also advancing to the next round.

Ahead of this evening’s game, Hughton said:

I’ll definitely make changes – how many, I don’t know.

It will be an opportunity for a lot of players.

We’re at home – it’s a nice opportunity for us.