Bruno Guimaraes will likely feel the heat when he lines up for Newcastle United against Arsenal on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old was at the heart of the action in the reverse fixture, as Anthony Gordon’s goal gave the Magpies a 1-0 win in controversial fashion.
It was a fierce encounter at St James’ Park, with various flashpoints causing uproar from both sets of supporters.
It started with Kai Havertz’s horror challenge on Sean Longstaff that only resulted in a booking, then Bruno Guimaraes needlessly wiped out Arsenal midfielder Jorginho.
Newcastle’s Brazilian warrior clattered into the back Jorginho with his arm, and was extremely lucky to avoid a red card.
Now Bruno is doing all he can to avoid a yellow card, and this could be his toughest test.
Bruno Guimaraes may struggle to avoid getting booked vs Arsenal
Ever since the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City, Bruno has been walking a tightrope. He picked up his ninth booking of the season that night, meaning he is one away from a two-game suspension.
It would be devastating to lose the Brazil international, which has resulted in him being extra careful in the middle of the park.
He has rarely even given the referee a chance to book him, and has now gone four Premier League games without receiving a yellow card.
It means he will be available to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, where he may massively struggle to avoid the referee’s wrath.
After what happened at St James’ Park earlier this season, this should be a very physical game. They always are versus Arsenal nowadays, and that is why Bruno could be up against it.
He has shown real discipline to avoid a suspension so far, but this will be his biggest test yet. Bruno either continues to play with the shackles on, or accepts the Magpies’ following two games are the ones he misses to suspension.
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