Newcastle United are preparing to face Brighton in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
A place in the quarter-finals is at stake on Sunday with Toon fans hoping Eddie Howe can take his team one step closer to a first FA Cup semi-final in 20 years.
Newcastle’s game against Brighton could see Howe make several changes following defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday. A busy schedule has left certain players looking like they are in desperate need of a rest before the end of the season. Bruno Guimaraes was slammed by John Anderson for his performance against Liverpool – Howe hinted that Guimaraes could be rested for the FA Cup tie, stating that he needs to ‘protect’ his players.
A positive for the Magpies is that Sven Botman and Joelinton could feature against Brighton. The pair have both been out with knee problems since the beginning of February. While Howe has benefitted from Lewis Miley in midfield during Joelinton’s absence, Botman has been harder to replace with Dan Burn also looking in need of a break and Lloyd Kelly no longer at the club.
Now, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has spoken ahead of the game and has had some very positive things to say about one Newcastle star.
Fabian Hurzeler singles out Alexander Isak ahead of FA Cup tie
Brighton have been very hot and cold this season. They are a team searching for consistency having failed to build up much momentum. Despite that, the Seagulls are still eighth in the Premier League table, a point behind Newcastle.
Brighton won their first visit to St James’ Park of the season in October thanks to a first-half strike from Danny Welbeck. The 34-year-old could also feature in Sunday’s game.
Hurzeler took his pre-match press conference on Friday and was asked about Toon striker Alexander Isak potentially missing the game with a groin problem and if it changes Brighton’s approach to the game.
“Alexander Isak is a special player,” Hurzeler said
“A player who can make the difference.
“You can’t replace a player like this because not every team has two, three or four players of this quality.
“Therefore, it is a different game if he won’t play, but the thing is, now we don’t know that, so we really have to prepare as if Isak will start.
“We have to prepare for his actions, for his behaviour, how we want to defend this together as a group.
“You can’t gamble and say he won’t play.
“I am sure Newcastle will try everything to make him fit for the game and we have to be ready for that.”
Fabian Hurzeler confirms Brighton injury news ahead of Newcastle clash
While Newcastle look set to have some important players back for the FA Cup clash, Brighton are without several players with long-term injuries.
Hurzeler confirmed that Lewis Dunk will not be fit enough to return for the trip to Tyneside, saying that it will be a “little bit too early” for him to play on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Hurzeler will be without Igor, Ferdi Kadioglu, Joel Veltman and former Sunderland shot-stopper Jason Steele for the tie.
There will be no reunion for former Newcastle star James Milner either. The 39-year-old is still struggling with a thigh problem.
Like Newcastle, Brighton could also rotate to prevent any further injuries but with a lot at stake, both teams may opt for a stronger approach to the game.
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