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Eddie Howe makes Nick Pope call, teenager starts… Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Brighton
James Rutherford
3 minutes
Eddie Howe is expected to tweak his Newcastle United starting lineup in the FA Cup against Brighton.
The Newcastle United manager has a bit of a selection dilemma ahead of Sunday’s game at St James’ Park. On the one hand, a victory will put his side into the quarter-finals and one game away from Wembley. On the other, it is a chance to rotate with the Carabao Cup final not far away.
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Eddie Howe will certainly put out a strong side, but there will surely be changes after Newcastle’s loss to Liverpool at Anfield.
The Magpies’ side needs freshening up, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Brighton in the FA Cup.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
The Newcastle United goalkeeping situation is a hot topic of debate amongst supporters right now.
Nick Pope has struggled since returning to the starting XI, with many fans eager to see Martin Dubravka return.
However, Geordie Boot Boys are predicting that Howe will opt for consistency in between the sticks and keep Pope in the side.
Elsewhere, Kieran Trippier is predicted to start at right-back ahead of Tino Livramento.
Joelinton returns for Newcastle United
Newcastle United have been without Joelinton since they lost to Fulham on February 1st.
The Brazilian has missed the Magpies’ previous five games, but it is reported that Joelinton will return against Brighton.
That is a major boost, as it gives him a couple of games to get up to speed before the Carabao Cup final on March 16th.
READ MORE: Who is Joelinton? Age, Height, Chant, Position, Socials and More
Howe could also use the FA Cup contest as a chance to rest Bruno Guimaraes. He was poor against Liverpool, with Bruno criticised for his performance.
If that is what Howe does, Lewis Miley could be given the chance to return to the starting lineup.
Another FA Cup chance for Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson scored in the previous round of the FA Cup, as Newcastle beat Birmingham City.
That remains Wilson’s only goal of the season so far, after he squandered a brilliant opportunity at Anfield on Wednesday night.
But with Alexander Isak nursing a groin issue, the 33-year-old could get another chance to start on Sunday.
Wilson should retain his place in the side, where he could be flanked by Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes. The latter has not started for Newcastle United since the FA Cup third round win over Bromley.
Predicted XI vs Brighton: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Wilson, Barnes.
