Forget Nick Pope, Eddie Howe must drop ‘awful’ Newcastle United player against Brighton

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has some very difficult decisions to make against Brighton in the FA Cup.

The Magpies go into the game on the back of a disappointing defeat, with Newcastle losing 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield.

Eddie Howe was frustrated with his team, as they gave away cheap goals whilst never looking likely to score themselves.

While Lewis Hall was outstanding against Liverpool, there was not much to celebrate from the Magpies. Nick Pope was criticised, with many Toon fans eager for Martin Dubravka to be reinstated.

Bruno Guimaraes struggled for Newcastle against Liverpool

It remains to be seen if Howe will make that change for the FA Cup clash with Brighton, but there is certainly one player who he needs to remove the starting XI and rest.

Bruno Guimaraes really struggled against Liverpool on Wednesday night. The Toon skipper was at fault for the Reds’ second goal, while his overall game was well below his usual standard.

Physically, he did not look like he could handle Liverpool’s power in midfield. To the naked eye, it looked like fatigue was an issue for him.

Former Newcastle United player John Anderson said Bruno Guimaraes was ‘awful’ against Liverpool, with the 27-year-old coming off in the 88th minute to be replaced by Sean Longstaff.

Eddie Howe must make Bruno Guimaraes call in the FA Cup

The FA Cup clash with Brighton on Sunday is the ideal time for Howe to take Bruno out the team and give him the rest he needs.

That is not to say that Howe should not take the FA Cup game seriously – he absolutely should – but the Toon boss has enough options in midfield that he can afford not to start him.

Joelinton should be fit to face Brighton, while Lewis Miley will be fresh after starting on the bench against Liverpool.

A midfield three of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Miley is more than good enough to face Brighton, while Howe can at least have the luxury of having Bruno on the bench in case of emergency.

But this is a man who has played so much football this season, and is suddenly showing signs of tiredness as the biggest game of the campaign looms.

Newcastle United will need everyone at their best when they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Howe’s major stars must deliver, but that will only be possible if they are physically able to.

While Bruno probably will not want to be rested against Brighton, it could be to his benefit.