Match Updates: Welbeck’s FA Cup heroics, Newcastle’s lineup changes, including returns from injury and key substitutions for their match against Brighton.
Brighton’s Danny Welbeck played a crucial role in his team’s FA Cup victory. Five years ago, his career seemed to be declining, but the 34-year-old propelled Brighton into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a decisive goal.
Welbeck’s time at Watford during the 2019-20 Premier League season, where he scored twice in 18 appearances, didn’t suggest a bright future. However, after leaving Watford on a free transfer, he joined Brighton in October 2020.
His signing was initially viewed as an unusual move for Brighton, bringing in an injury-prone 29-year-old forward. Despite initial doubts, Welbeck has had a successful period in Sussex, highlighted by his recent goal in the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Newcastle. He scored the winning goal in extra time, securing a 2-1 victory.
This goal marks his eighth of the season, approaching his best records from his time at Manchester United. He is currently four goals away from matching his record of 12 goals for United in the 2011–12 season.
Wayne Rooney, Welbeck’s former teammate at Manchester United and England, praised his performance and expressed a desire to see him back at Manchester United.
Newcastle vs. Brighton Match Details
The Newcastle vs. Brighton match saw key changes in Newcastle’s lineup. The leading scorer returned after missing the midweek loss at Liverpool due to a slight groin injury. The match kicked off at 1:45pm (GMT) at St. James’ Park.
Joelinton also made a comeback after recovering from a knee injury sustained against Fulham at the beginning of February.Newcastle’s Starting XI and Substitutes
Newcastle’s starting lineup included Martin Dúbravka, Kieran Trippier (c), Fabian Schär, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, and Lewis Miley.
The substitutes for Newcastle were Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Matt Targett, Emil Krafth, William Osula, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, and Bruno Guimarães.
Changes to Newcastle’s Squad
Several changes were made to Newcastle’s squad for the game. Nick Pope, Lewis Hall, Bruno Guimarães, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, and Callum Wilson were replaced in the lineup. Lewis Hall was not included in the squad due to an ankle injury. Kieran Trippier captained the side, with Dan Burn facing his former club.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cwygwg9qrn2o
https://www.skysports.com/football/newcastle-vs-brighton/live/528562
https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/news/team-news-six-changes-for-seagulls-cup-clash