Newcastle United fans will be praying that tonight is the night for Bruno Guimaraes to make his first Newcastle United start.
Eddie Howe has taken his time with the Brazilian so far, limiting him to five substitute appearances. It’s a decision that took a lot of courage from the Toon boss, with fans pining to see more of the blockbuster January arrival.
Guimaraes has featured more in the past two games, playing a combined 37 minutes in the wins over Brentford and Brighton. He’s certainly impressed by snapping into tackles and showing complete composure in possession.
But with fixtures coming thick and fast, now is the time. Howe should include Bruno in the Newcastle starting XI for the first time against Southampton.
It’s time to start Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle’s midfield has been exceptional in recent weeks. The trio of Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton have performed at a level no one could have anticipated.
Willock is back among the goals. Shelvey is playing his best football in a long time. And Joelinton is a new man completely, transformed from a failing striker to the next Patrick Vieira.
It would be incredibly harsh to drop any member of this flourishing trio, but Howe will be keen to rotate with fixtures piling up. We’re in action again on Sunday against Chelsea, then face another midweek trip to Everton.
With plenty of football set to be played over the next seven days, tonight is the perfect chance to see what Guimaraes can do from the off.
It’s hardly a big risk – he’s going to be a guaranteed starter in the future, such is his talent. In the words of Kieran Trippier, ‘he’s quality‘. But the big question is whose place should he take.
Southampton are an extremely energetic team both in and out of possession, which perhaps puts Shelvey most at risk. The 30-year-old recently apologised for his performance against Brighton, despite not being that bad at all.
But Joelinton is undroppable at the moment, and taking him out of the side would risk ruining his momentum. We need to keep riding this wave for as long as possible.
And Willock is probably better suited against the Saints. He’s got the box-to-box energy needed to support Chris Wood, which could be vital on the counterattack.
It would be harsh to drop Shelvey to the bench, but it’s about time we see what Bruno can do. He should start tonight against Southampton.
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