Newcastle 1-2 Brighton: Key statspublished at 16:40 2 March
16:40 2 March
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle have won just two of their last 16 meetings with Brighton in all competitions (D7 L7). The Magpies have also been eliminated from each of their last five FA Cup ties against the Seagulls.
Brighton have beaten Newcastle twice at St. James' Park this season, after winning 1-0 in Premier League. They are just the fourth team to win twice away to the Magpies in the same campaign in the Premier League era, after Manchester City in 2013-14, Hull City in 2008-09 and Liverpool in 1997-98.
Anthony Gordon is the first Newcastle United player to receive a red card in the FA Cup since Shola Ameobi in the 2012-13 third round, which also came against Brighton.
This was the first FA Cup tie between two Premier League clubs that has seen both teams have a man sent off since Everton v Chelsea in the 2015-16 quarter-finals (Gareth Barry and Diego Costa).
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Brightonpublished at 11:05 2 March
11:05 2 March
Alexander Isak missed Newcastle's defeat at Anfield with a groin injury so he has to be a doubt for this tie too, and his absence is a massive blow for Eddie Howe's side.
Brighton have hit a bit of form since losing 7-0 to Nottingham Forest at the start of February, and have won four in a row in the Premier League and FA Cup.
The Seagulls also won at St James' Park earlier in the season, when Danny Welbeck got the winner. I remember that one because I got that prediction wrong.
People are talking about Newcastle being distracted by their upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool [on 16 March] but could they actually be in line for a domestic cup double this season?
I am banking on them keeping that possibility alive here. They obviously could really do with having Isak back but, even if he is not fit, then surely Brighton cannot win there twice this season... can they?
When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw?published at 08:53 1 March
08:53 1 March
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The road to Wembley continues this weekend, as teams battle it out to book their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
There is still lots of Premier League interest in the competition, with 11 top-flight teams all dreaming of a trip to Wembley. Aston Villa are already in the hat for the last eight after victory over Cardiff City on Friday.
The draw will take place on BBC One after Sunday's tie between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford, which kicks off at 16:30 GMT and features Danny Murphy, Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney in the studio with host Gary Lineker.
Magpies must protect 'special talent' Guimaraes - Howepublished at 18:30 28 February
18:30 28 February
Media caption,
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking before Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Brighton about the need to rest Bruno Guimaraes with Joelinton nearing a return from injury.
After a difficult performance against Liverpool was noted by BBC Radio Newcastle's John Anderson, we looked into his stats on this page and noted a drop-off this month for the Brazil midfielder.
"Tiredness is a difficult thing for me to measure," Howe said. "Only Bruno can truly do that, but he's had a very very busy schedule for a long long time now.
"He's always been there for us - that's the standout thing. He's never shied away and he wants to play every minute. He's got a great passion for the game.
"We need to protect our players at all time and he's such a special talent."
'I will never classify us as a one man team' - Howepublished at 16:10 28 February
16:10 28 February
Media caption,
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking about the availability of Alexander Isak after the striker missed Wednesday's defeat at Liverpool through injury.
Howe has been asked if his side resemble a "one-man team" given the goals Isak has contributed in a stellar campaign.
Newcastle v Brighton: Did you know?published at 14:22 28 February
14:22 28 February
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle have won just two of their past 15 meetings with Brighton in all competitions. They've already lost 1-0 against them at St James' Park this term.
Brighton have won each of their past four FA Cup games against Newcastle without conceding a single goal. This is their meeting in the competition since a 2-0 home win in the 2012-13 third round.
Howe on Isak's injury, key players returning and Livramento rumourspublished at 10:43 28 February
10:43 28 February
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup game against Brighton (kick-off 13:45 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe says he will see how Alexander Isak is today but he doesn't think it's a long-term problem with his groin. He added: "There was no risk taken on Wednesday and there can't be at the stage of the season we're in. If he is fit, he will play."
Fellow striker Callum Wilson "took a cut to his eye but nothing more than that" and is expected to be available.
Howe said it is "is a big day" for Sven Botman and Joelinton because a decision on their fitness will be made based on whether they are able to train with the first team or not.
He was hesitant to confirm whether Nick Pope will keep his spot for Sunday's game and said: "We take it on a game by game basis as we do with all team selections. We are always looking to pick our strongest team and it is up to the players to confirm their place or not."
On how cautious he has to be with Isak: "It is pretty clear for me, if he is fit in any game leading up to the EFL Cup final then he will play and we have to have that mindset with all of our players. You can't save players as they will lose rhythm. The best thing for a player to stay in good form and to stay fit is to play them and that's what we will try to do with all of our players."
He said without their number nine "it's still a team that can be successful but they will have to do it in a different way" because they have "moulded" their team around Isak's "qualities".
He praised Wilson for doing "a great job for the team in a change of system on Wednesday" against Liverpool, but admitted they "missed Alex".
On suggestions they are a 'one-man team', Howe said: "I don't think we are a one man team. I will never classify us in that bracket but Alex brings unique qualities in that centre-forward role, in that pivotal middle role that we need."
On Tino Livramento being linked with Manchester City: "It is frustrating for us that we are constantly talking about players and rumours of them leaving. We want to go the other way and strengthen the group. We want to make our team and squad stronger for the future rather than lose our best players."
Isak's injury 'a blow' for Magpiespublished at 08:38 28 February
08:38 28 February
Image source, Getty Images
Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey says losing Alexander Isak to a groin injury "was not only a blow for Newcastle, but a boost for Liverpool" on Wednesday night.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Howey said : "It was a surprise because there was no knowledge of a knock or a slight issue to his groin, that went on to keep him out of the game.
"It was a late withdrawal, although it is not thought to be a serious problem. But losing their top scorer and someone who had scored in each of his two previous visits to Anfield was not only a blow for Newcastle but a boost for Liverpool."
Eddie Howe is set to speak to the media on Friday morning before Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie with Brighton and is expected to provide an update on Isak's condition.
Newcastle United are pursuing a deal to sign 22-year-old Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. (Football Insider), external
The Premier League could be forced to have two separate transfer windows this summer because of disruption caused by the Club World Cup. (Guardian), external
Has Guimaraes' form dropped off?published at 14:51 27 February
14:51 27 February
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
"He's been awful lately."
That was former Newcastle defender John Anderson's withering view of captain Bruno Guimaraes after the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool on Wednesday made it just three points from a possible 12 in February.
It is stark contrast to the form of December and January that began with a scintillating 3-3 draw against the same opponents and also included six consecutive wins.
Whether the reason for or a consequence of, Newcastle's form over the winter period has mirrored that of Guimaraes.
The 27-year-old has started every Premier League game so far this season, and hit a purple patch in the 10 matches from the beginning of December through to the end of January, scoring two goals and making five assists, resulting in a goal contributions per 90 minutes of 0.7.
However, across six games in all competitions in February, the Brazil midfielder failed to register a goal or an assist.
It is not the only marker in which he has regressed.
When comparing per 90 minutes, Guimaraes' chances created has nosedived from 2.5 to just 0.3, while his touches in the opposition box has more than halved from 3.3 to 1.3.
With his total shots per 90 dropping from 1.4 to 0.8 and overall xG falling to just 0.16 from 1.5, it is clear to see his effectiveness in front of goal has declined.
But what about the other areas of the midfielder's game?
Boss Eddie Howe naturally wants his midfielders to provide the link between attack and defence, protecting and progressing the ball effectively.
Unfortunately, Guimaraes' passes per 90 have slumped from 51 to 38, and his efficiency has also dropped from 84.3% to 81.6%. Small increments for sure but when added together there has been a downturn in his displays.
And when it comes to the more defensive side of the game, the number of tackles Guimaraes is putting in per 90 has lessened from 2.4 to 1.6. Indeed, the only metric where he has increased is the amount of fouls - from 1.27 per game to 1.6!
If Newcastle are to stay in contention for Champions League qualification, and stand a chance of winning their first major silverware since 1955 when they head to Wembley on 16 March, they will need their captain to rediscover his form.
*all stats provided by Opta
'He has been poor for a while'published at 12:07 27 February
12:07 27 February
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Former Newcastle defender John Anderson spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle about Wednesday's defeat at Liverpool: "It always felt like Liverpool had another gear. They were just stroking it around. Everything we did was rushed and hurried whereas they seemed to be in total control of everything they did."
Anderson was particularly frustrated about Bruno Guimaraes' performance, adding: "I think he has been awful lately. There was times [against Liverpool] where he looked like he couldn't run. He was chasing shadows at times - [Ibrahima] Konate strolled past him as if he wasn't there. He looked like he had no legs at all.
"I think he has been poor for a while. Some players are poor and get absolutely battered for it and some players are poor and no one mentions it."
Did you know?
Guimaraes won possession back only once - a low mark he shared with several players. Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali regained possession nine times for Newcastle while Dominik Szobozslai did so eight times.
On BBC Radio Newcastle's social media, reacting to Anderson's criticism of Guimaraes, Newcastle fans wrote:
Stephen: He has never been able to run and he needs legs around him but without Joelinton, we just don;t have that. As controversial as this sounds, if an offer comes in for Bruno or Joelinton I would take it.
Mark: Not been quite the same since being given the captaincy and is now being overshadowed by Isak and Tonali. Still a top player but is better higher up the park.
CJ: Covers loads of ground and wins loads of duels. Bit of an overreaction.
Joelinton Lover: Given how composed Lewis Miley has looked last couple of weeks (I know they're completely different players) I'd play him Tonali and Willock and give Bruno a rest. He's pretty much played football non-stop for two years.
Chris: Been saying this for a while. I can't remember watching him play and thinking he made a real difference. Not since Tonali came in actually.
David: He's been terrible since Christmas, even worse without Joelinton's legs next to him too. Does he have some muscle injury we aren't aware of? Or maybe just fatigue because it's like he can't run at full pelt or strike a ball with any power. I can't remember him controlling a game this season.
'I thought we more than competed' - Howepublished at 12:03 27 February
12:03 27 February
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe caught up with BBC Radio Newcastle in the aftermath of Wednesday's defeat by Liverpool.
Listen to what he had to say below.
Media caption,
'Men against boys' - fans on defeat at Liverpoolpublished at 10:48 27 February
Krish: When you play at Anfield you need to take chances or make the keeper work and we couldn't do that. We limited Liverpool to only a few chances but there's a clear divide in quality without Alexander Isak, Joelinton and Sven Botman. We need positive performances ahead of the final
Robert: Sadly it's going to be more than 70 years of winning a trophy in this country for Newcastle United. It seemed like men against boys.
David: We never laid a glove on Liverpool. The tactics were sound, but when you give possession away whilst attacking probably the best side in Europe they will hurt you. Some of the fringe players look like they are going through the motions now. So a summer reshuffle must be on the cards in the summer to mount a sustainable top four challenge.
Anth: It was disappointingly lame to be honest. The players didn't look convinced they could do anything and Liverpool seem to sense that and did just enough to get over the line. It felt like if we had a little more belief, we could have done some damage, but it was not to be. Not one shot on target tells the whole story. Isak missing out was a kick in the teeth before it even started, but I get a faint whiff of a little 'poker' being played by our Eddie, with one eye on the Carabao Cup final? We shall see.
Ritchie: Beat before a ball was kicked. We should have played 5-4-1 but again we never laid a glove on Liverpool. No aggression, passion or pressing. Disgraceful. both goals were gifted from our own mistakes. Nick Pope was poor again and Bruno Guimaraes was missing, just like at Manchester City. if Eddie Howe is playing the long game and ticking over until the cup final, that is a massive risk. There is a high chance we will lose that and miss out on Europe.
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle: Isak missed as Magpies falterpublished at 23:34 26 February
23:34 26 February
Emily Salley BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Facing league leaders Liverpool at their Anfield fortress was always going to prove a tough ask.
Without your top goalscorer, the task becomes all the more difficult.
To make matters worse, Newcastle were relying on a striker who had played just 77 minutes of Premier League football this season.
Callum Wilson looked lively in the first half as he deputised for the injured Alexander Isak, finding himself clear on goal on two occasions.
But his finishing, as you would expect from a player who has struggled for playing time, was off the well off the mark as he skewed two strikes wide.
The England striker will need time to get back to full fitness, but with Isak in top form and expected to be back soon his opportunities are likely to be limited.
Newcastle fans will be hopeful that Isak was the missing piece tonight as they look ahead to a trip to Wembley on 16 March for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
'We need to find our best rhythm again'published at 23:28 26 February
23:28 26 February
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to TNT Sports: "We played OK tonight, decent performance. Disappointed with goals we conceded.
"The first goal we don't track him into the box. We're fighting in the game after that to try and get the next goal. But then we do exactly the same thing. Two soft goals.
"Callum [Wilson] will always back himself and we back him to take the chances, they're not easy opportunities. He played well tonight, led the line and played well."
On having no shots on target: "Not good, can't sit there and say we planned that. We had opportunities, obviously you're not going to get an abundance of chances here so when you do you have to take them and we didn't do that tonight."
On lessons for facing Liverpool again in the Carabao Cup final: "You always learn, sometimes you learn more in defeat than victory an two games against them this season we've been competitive but we have to perform better than today if we want to win the trophy.
"We need to find our best rhythm again, we have a few players out missing hopefully we can get them back. Big games, big moments in our season. We're still in both cups and we want to stay that way."
Image source, Getty Images
