Newcastle United have three massive games left this season, and Eddie Howe knows that three more wins will deliver European football.
The Magpies are very much in control of their own destiny, having won consecutive Premier League games to move up to sixth in the table. They followed a 5-1 win over Sheffield United with a 4-1 victory against Burnley, and are full of confidence heading into the final three games of the season.
On top of that, Newcastle United have welcomed back some key players from injury just in time for the run-in.
We have seen Callum Wilson return in recent weeks, and he has looked excellent since completing his comeback from a pectoral problem. And he has now been joined by Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Nick Pope, who were all on the bench against Burnley on Saturday.
They have all trained this week ahead of the final home game of the season against Brighton, and it is vital that Howe starts one of them this weekend.
Eddie Howe should make key change to his Newcastle starting XI
While Almiron and Joelinton got minutes in their legs at Turf Moor, Pope remained on the bench. That was no surprise, as it would be odd to change your goalkeeper during a game if there was not an injury.
But there should be a change in between the sticks on Saturday, just over five months since Pope last started a game for Newcastle United.
The 32-year-old has not played for the Magpies since December 1st, when they beat Manchester United 1-0 at St James’ Park. That was an important win, but it came at a price. Pope suffered a shoulder injury, and it resulted in him missing 26 consecutive games.
But he is fit once again, and has to start in goal for Newcastle against Brighton.
Nick Pope in, Martin Dubravka out
That means dropping Martin Dubravka, who has been a consistent figure in goal for Newcastle during Pope’s absence.
And while there have been positive moments such as his ‘wonderful’ display in the FA Cup against Blackburn Rovers and his efforts in defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, it has been a difficult period for Dubravka.
The 35-year-old has not been the commanding presence he once was, and has massively impacted the way Newcastle United defend – but not for the better. His inability to dominate his box and come off his line as a sweeper keeper has resulted in the Magpies conceding a lot of cheap goals, and it has led to Toon fans crying out for Pope’s return.
Eddie Howe must pick his best goalkeeper against Brighton
And that return should happen on Saturday. Throughout Pope’s absence, it has been clear that Dubravka is no longer good enough to be Newcastle’s first choice. Now that Pope is fit again, he should be straight back in the starting XI.
While it could be argued that Dubravka has done nothing to warrant being dropped in recent weeks, there is no time for sentiment. Newcastle United have three games remaining, and must pick up as many points as possible to qualify for the Europa League or the Europa Conference League.
Eddie Howe must not take any chances, and that means putting out his strongest team on every occasion. For Dubravka, that should result in him being replaced by Nick Pope.
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