Newcastle United fans have expressed their excitement at the prospect of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes lining up in the same midfield.
Tonali is set to make his make his first appearance in 10 months against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup tonight after his betting ban expired this week. Eddie Howe was coy when asked if the Italian would start at the City Ground but at the very least, he is expected to play some part from the bench.
There is a buzz around Tonali’s return, though there is perhaps a bigger buzz around him and Guimaraes – two of the club’s biggest marquees signing since the Saudi-led takeover – playing together.
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrate after the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on September 24, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrate after the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on September 24, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrate after the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on September 24, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Prior to Tonali’s ban, it is easy to forget that some were questioning if he Guimaraes could form an effective partnership but Howe said: “For me he can certainly play with Bruno – there’s no midfield players that we have that can’t play with each other.
“I’d like to think that doesn’t exist, that problem. But of course we have to prove that on that pitch and Sandy has to prove that when he comes back and play as well as he can.
“I think there’s real competition for places in that area now which we didn’t have last year and I think that’s where his absence was really, really felt during our injuries troubles last year where we had three, maybe sometimes two fit central midfielders. Currently we have a bit of luxury in terms of numbers with only Lewis Miley injured which will give us really good competition for places, which I said earlier we need.
“I think Sandro’s game can play different roles within our midfield depending on what our tactical structure looks like. That versatility is important to us.”
Indeed, Guimaraes has already spoken of his eagerness to link-up with the former AC Milan man.
“I want to see him on the pitch, he’s a good guy,” the Brazilian said earlier this month. “Since he signed for the club he’s improved a lot, his English now is much better and it’s easier to communicate with him.
“To be honest, he’s counting the days to come back, he’s desperate to come back to help us. He’s going to be a massive player for us for sure.”
After Forest tonight, Newcastle host Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on Sunday before the first international break of the 2024-25 campaign.
