Newcastle United take on Brighton in an unpredictable FA Cup fifth-round tie on Sunday.
Both teams are eager to win silverware this season, but Newcastle are aiming to make history in the domestic competitions.
The Magpies have never won the domestic treble in their history but can still do so with them also being in the Carabao Cup final. Fans tend to shy away from talking about Newcastle’s trophy history because of how long it has been since the club last won anything.
Newcastle have not won a trophy since 1969, but can still win two this season to end the agonising wait for silverware.
Eddie Howe provided injury updates ahead of the game, stating that Joelinton and Sven Botman were in contention to play after missing nearly a month of action with knee problems. Alexander Isak missed the Liverpool defeat on Wednesday after struggling with a groin issue. The problem is not thought to be serious, and he is in contention to feature on Sunday.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has also provided updates to his players ahead of the clash, it looks like good news for Newcastle.
Brighton’s injury problems ahead of Newcastle clash
Brighton are currently enduring a good run of form, recovering from the embarrassing 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in February. The Seagulls have now won their last three Premier League games and are looking to reach their first final since 1983, having come close in the 2022/23 season.
However, if they want to beat Newcastle, they will have to do it with a depleted squad, as Hurzeler is without several key players with long-term injury problems.
Brighton will be without former Toon star James Milner, Igor Julio, Jason Steele and Ferdi Kadioglu. There are further injury concerns for Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey and Adam Webster who have all struggled with problems in recent weeks.
- READ MORE – Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler thinks he knows Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak plan ahead of FA Cup clash
Hurzerler also confirmed that Lewis Dunk is not ready to return against Newcastle. The defender has been struggling with a back problem that has kept him out for the last month.
It will be the first return to St James’ Park for former Newcastle star Yankuba Minteh who has had a brilliant season on the South Coast, scoring five goals in 22 Premier League games. Newcastle had to sell Minteh last summer to avoid a PSR points deduction.
Newcastle will be worried to see the return of Danny Welbeck on Sunday. The striker scored the winner against Newcastle during their Premier League clash in October.
Newcastle could play a full-strength team against Brighton
Even if Newcastle have injury problems, they still have enough depth to play a strong squad against Brighton.
Newcastle’s academy players have been training with the first-team ahead of the game including Sean Neave who was named on the bench against Birmingham in the previous round. A lot is riding on the game, however, so Howe may instead look to use his best players rather than give run-outs to young prospects.
- READ MORE – How to watch Newcastle United vs Brighton: TV channel, live stream and team news for FA Cup tie
One player Howe should not play is Bruno Guimaraes who needs a rest. The Brazilian has featured in most of the Magpies’ games this season but has looked off it in the last few weeks, suggesting that he could do with some time out of the squad.
Newcastle will have eight days of rest before their next game against West Ham in the Premier League, so Guimaraes will have plenty of time to rest and come back stronger for that.
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