The FA Cup represents another huge opportunity for Newcastle United to end their decades-long wait for silverware this season. Brighton stand in the way of a quarter-final appearance when the two sides meet at St James’ Park today.
The Seagulls are in good form, bouncing back from a 7-0 mauling at Nottingham Forest to go on a strong winning run. Their away form is excellent.
Newcastle’s form is not so hot. The midweek defeat at league leaders Liverpool was nothing to be shamed by, but Eddie Howe’s men failed to lay a glove on their opponents and look leggy and out of sorts in places. Missing star striker Alexander Isak, they never truly looked like scoring.
Isak remains a fitness concern and Howe must decide whether to risk him against Brighton after his groin injury. Likewise, there are doubts over whether Sven Botman and Joelinton can return after their spells on the sidelines, while a number of players could be rested. Brighton, too, have some selection concerns of their own.
Lots to ponder for the Magpies manager, and our ChronicleLive writers give their verdict on the potential starting XI.
Lee Ryder
Newcastle United could easily consider a number of changes for this one but the players were left on tenterhooks about selection right up until the cusp of the game. It would be easy to rest big names at St James’ Park but staying in the FA Cup could be crucial as far as the bigger picture is concerned.
Were Newcastle to lose in the Carabao Cup final, having the FA Cup as back-up would be the perfect consolation. And even if Newcastle do win against Liverpool, why not dream big and go for a cup double.
Either way, I’d be opting for a strong line-up this weekend to keep that dream alive. Although, I would still tweak the keepers, and if it is about taking a risk on some players fitness-wise, then be it.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Botman, Hall, Joelinton, Bruno, Tonali, Gordon, Murphy, Isak
Aaron Stokes
It’s a fine balance to strike between fielding a team capable of overcoming a Premier League rival in the FA Cup, while also ensuring you can give a rest to some of your more fatigued players ahead of a crucial run in. With that in mind, here’s my thinking.
I’m opting for Martin Dubravka in net after a shaky few games for Nick Pope. Some will ask why the Slovakian was dropped in the first place. In front of Dubravka I’d opt for Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall.
Bruno Guimaraes desperately needs a rest, so in the middle it’s Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley (L) and Sean Longstaff (R). Meanwhile in attack, I’d be resting Alexander Isak even if fit, with Callum Wilson getting the nod along with Harvey Barnes (L) and William Osula (R).
Starting XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Miley, Longstaff; Osula, Wilson, Barnes.
Ross Gregory
This is a tricky balancing act for Eddie Howe. On one hand, he needs to get some minutes, some confidence and some form into a number of key players who look way off the pace. But on the other, he needs to rest a few key men.
The FA Cup is very important, not just as it offers another avenue to silverware but because United need to find some momentum from somewhere. It’s four defeats in six games now, if anyone needs reminding.
Stick or twist with the goalkeepers? I’d stick with Nick Pope. He’s rusty but won’t get rid of that by sat on the bench. What I would add, though, is that it’s probably his last chance to impress. If he doesn’t, Martin Dubravka must come back in for the build-up to the cup final.
Elsewhere, I’d go relatively strong but give Bruno Guimareas a rest and start Lewis Miley. Don’t risk Alexander Isak, but if Sven Botman and Joelinton are fit then whack them on the bench and give them both 25 minutes late on.
Starting XI: Pope, Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Willock; Osula, Wilson, Barnes
Matty Hewitt
I think we’ll see some more rotation from Eddie Howe again given the importance of the Carabao Cup Final in a few weeks time. With Alexander Isak missing the defeat to Liverpool in midweek, I wouldn’t risk him against Brighton and the same goes for Joelinton and Sven Botman.
I’d be tempted to bring Martin Dubravka back into the starting XI for Nick Pope who has come under fire since returning to the starting XI and for what it’s worth, I don’t think the Slovakian should have been dropped in the first place.
I think Dan Burn and Hall will retain their place in the back four, but Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth will come into the fold. I’d rest Bruno Guimaraes, who has struggled in recent weeks, with a midfield three of Joe Willock, Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff.
If Callum Wilson is fit to start – having suffered from a nasty cut at Anfield – I’d use the game to build up his fitness with Will Osula and Harvey Barnes on either flank. There’s enough there to come through a tough encounter with Brighton and plenty of options on the bench.
It wouldn’t surprise me, however, if Howe went as strong as possible given the teams now left in the competition.
Starting XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Willock, Miley, Longstaff; Osula, Wilson, Barnes.
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