Eddie Howe has huge call to make in Newcastle United’s goal for FA Cup clash on Sunday

The debate over whether or not Eddie Howe made the right call to reinstate Nick Pope to Newcastle United’s goal was the right one or not.

It has been discussed among fans and pundits alike as to whether it was the right move for Eddie Howe to drop Martin Dubravka and reinstate Nick Pope between the sticks for Newcastle.

The Magpies went on a nine-game unbeaten run with Dubravka behind the back four and in the last two games since Nick Pope returned to the number one spot, the Magpies have conceded five goals and there has been a visible shakiness at the back when passing backwards towards the ‘keeper.

Eddie Howe had to face the question on Friday in his pre-match press conference whether he stands by his decision, and the Toon gaffer didn’t seem very convincing with his answer.
Eddie Howe spoke about Pope, Dubravka and the selection headache

First up, Howe admitted that Pope looked rusty, which of course is understandable. He also hinted that Dubravka hadn’t taken the decision well – his wife certainly didn’t, but mostly it was the telling response to the big question of whether he could bring Dubravka back in that gave us the biggest hint.

“I think with Nick, there’s been some good bits and there’s been some bits that probably naturally when you’re coming back from injury, like he has been, that have been a little bit rusty in his game, but I think that’s natural for any player. I think he’s got, I still believe, standout qualities. He’s a top goalkeeper. And yeah, I think he, naturally with his experience and his knowledge and understanding of his own game, we’ll know he’s got high expectations of himself as well.”
“[On Dubravka]I think naturally whenever there’s a player coming out of any position, a bit of disappointment, you’d expect that. And I think that’s totally natural.”
“Well, I think we take it on a game by-game basis, as we do with all team selections. I think part of the game is players can change your minds either way. So we’re always looking to try and pick our strongest team and it’s up to the players to either confirm their place or not. No, it’s never totally clear because you’ve got to get the balance right and you’ve got to think of the team first and foremost. And that’s what I always do. I don’t think of individuals, I think of what the team needs. And I’ll have to think about what I do this weekend.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Will Eddie Howe go with the general consensus or stick by his guns?

We’ve got a feeling we know whether Eddie Howe is going to stick by his decision or not on Sunday, but you’ll have to wait for our lineup prediction later today to find out. Ooooh intrigue.

In all seriousness, both ‘keepers bring something different to the table. Together they’d make one top-quality goalie, but for us, like a lot of people right now, Dubravka has the edge.

The Slovakian is just as good a shot stopper as Pope right now, probably better given all the rustiness on Pope, but Dubz also has the ability to actually pass with his feet which puts him ahead for us. It’s just whether Eddie Howe thinks the same.