Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron is expected to keep his place in the Newcastle United team ahead of the trip to Manchester to face title contenders Manchester City in the Premier League on Boxing Day. The Paraguay player should keep his place despite being substituted during the disappointing Carabao Cup quarterfinal exit at the hands of London team Brentford in midweek. Paraguay midfielder Almiron played 65 minutes of the Brentford game before making way for striker Dwight Gayle.
Miguel Almiron was unable to affect the Carabao Cup clash with Brentford in a positive way though it must be stated that the scoreline was goalless by the time the Paraguay national team star was replaced by his English counterpart. Brentford scored the only goal of proceedings around one minute after he was subbed off. Josh da Silva was responsible for the goal that sealed a famous 1-0 home win over the Magpies thereby securing a spot in the semi-finals. Brentford were able to make history by qualifying for the last four of a major cup competition for the first time ever.Brentford will now face another Premier League team in Tottenham Hotspur in the last four of the competition in what’s a London Derby to determine who will qualify for the final.
For Newcastle United, fans are unhappy with the performances of manager Steve Bruce and his players this season. The Newcastle United boss is under a lot of pressure heading into the Manchester City game at the Etihad Stadium this weekend. Steve Bruce would target counterattacking football in the bid to get a result against the Citizens and the pace of Miguel Almiron could be useful in this regard. Opponents Manchester City are in high spirits after their demolition of Arsenal in the Carabao Cup this week. They will face Manchester United in a derby in the semi-finals as the reward for beating hosts Arsenal 4-1 in their Carabao Cup quarterfinal meeting on Tuesday night. Manchester City are the defending champions.