Bruno Guimaraes’ future is under the spotlight amid talk of a release clause in a new Newcastle contract
Burnley will pitch up at St James Park praying that they can prevent Newcastle striding to their third successive Premier League victory.
At least they ought to avoid the shuddering fate of their fellow promotion passengers Sheffield United but will they avoid defeat?
Here is a topsy turvy stat which might give them hope – except it doesn’t tell the real story. Why? Well Burnley are unbeaten away but glance beneath the surface and you discover the Clarets have played only one match on the road – a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest – while they have lost all four of their games at Turf Moor. Hardly a ringing endorsement.
Vincent Kompany, an elite on-field leader when Manchester City started trophy collecting, realises only too well what stiff opposition Eddie Howe’s juggernaut will provide. He is experiencing the other side of Premier League life after the Etihad. Poverty Alley as opposed to Millionaire Row.
Howe for his part is trying to become a clever Las Vegas gambler shuffling his cards to spread the load that regular midweek games bring.
And, brother, is it working at the moment. Three wins and a draw away to AC Milan in the Champions League with four clean sheets. European champions tucked up in the League Cup and on we go.
A midweek victory over Man City was against all odds too. What appeared a rash gamble resulted in ten changes, every single outfield player rested, a reserve back four which had never played together, and two teenagers in midfield against a squad that currently holds no fewer than four trophies.
At half-time it appeared just that, a gamble that had backfired, with Newcastle having endured a buffeting but all was rectified, on came experience, hope was triggered, the crowd were triggered, and City were fatefully wounded.
There were stars all over the field as there always are when United are on blob. Second-half substitutes Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon significantly turned the tide, Joelinton returned from injury with the immense power and passion we have missed, a rusty Paul
Dummett rolled back the years with big hearted defending against everything that was logic, but above them all Tino Livramento on his full debut aged just 20 was truly inspiring. Even Bruno chants became Tino.
Both offensively and defensively, faced with the trickery of Jack Grealish, the young lad stood ramrod tall. If United find themselves with two glorious right-backs in Kieran Trippier and Livramento let us remember both can also play left-back if necessary. Yes, Eddie?
Former Sunderland striker Don Goodman, an old mate, did no favours pulling us out to play our Wembley conquerors Manchester United away in the next round but, hey, they are not even the best team in their own city!
Newcastle have been severely restricted in midfield this season with Joelinton and Joe Willock injured of late which has made Bruno an even more crucial standard bearer.
