AliousNewcastle United are set to face Brighton in a highly unpredictable FA Cup fifth-round showdown on Sunday. Both sides have their sights set on silverware, but Newcastle are chasing history, with the possibility of securing a domestic treble still alive.
The Magpies have never achieved this feat before, and given that they’re also in the Carabao Cup final, the dream remains intact. However, discussions about trophies among Newcastle fans often come with hesitation, as the club’s last major triumph dates back to 1969. This season, though, presents a golden opportunity to end that painful drought, with two pieces of silverware still within reach.
Ahead of the crucial clash, Eddie Howe provided key injury updates. Midfield powerhouse Joelinton and defensive stalwart Sven Botman, both sidelined for nearly a month due to knee injuries, are in contention to return. Meanwhile, star striker Alexander Isak, who missed the midweek defeat to Liverpool with a groin issue, is also expected to be available.
### Brighton Hit with Major Injury Concerns Before Newcastle Clash
Brighton have bounced back strongly from their humiliating 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, winning their last three Premier League games. They are now pushing for their first FA Cup final since 1983, after narrowly missing out last season.
However, their hopes of overcoming Newcastle have been dealt a major blow, with several key players ruled out due to injury. Manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that Brighton will be without former Newcastle midfielder James Milner, as well as Igor Julio, Jason Steele, and Ferdi Kadioglu.
Adding to their woes, Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey, and Adam Webster are all injury doubts, while captain Lewis Dunk remains sidelined with a lingering back problem that has kept him out for the past month.
Sunday’s game will also mark the return of Yankuba Minteh to St. James’ Park. The former Newcastle winger, who was sold last summer to comply with financial regulations, has been in fine form for Brighton, netting five goals in 22 Premier League appearances. Meanwhile, Newcastle will need to keep an eye on Danny Welbeck, who scored the winner when Brighton defeated them in October.
### Newcastle Could Field a Strong Lineup Against Brighton
Despite dealing with their own injury concerns, Newcastle still have enough squad depth to put out a formidable XI. The club’s academy players, including Sean Neave, have been training with the first team, though given the stakes of this match, Howe is expected to rely on his senior stars rather than hand out opportunities to young prospects.
One player who may benefit from a rest, however, is Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian has been an ever-present figure for Newcastle this season but has shown signs of fatigue in recent weeks. With an eight-day gap before their next Premier League match against West Ham, this could be the perfect opportunity for Guimaraes to recharge and return to peak form.
As both teams prepare for a high-stakes battle, Newcastle will be looking to take advantage of Brighton’s depleted squad and take another step toward breaking their long-standing trophy drought.
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