Here’s a shocking truth for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers: Bruno Guimaraes’ injury is confirmed, and it’s worse than we thought. But here’s where it gets controversial—could Newcastle United actually thrive without their star midfielder? Let’s dive into the weekend’s FA Cup action and unpack the key takeaways from Villa Park, where Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over 10-man Aston Villa raised more questions than answers.
The Magpies’ win was a rare feat, as they’ve historically struggled without Bruno since his arrival in 2022. Yet, on Saturday, they managed to secure a victory despite his absence—a silver lining for fans but a headache for FPL managers. Eddie Howe confirmed the Brazilian’s hamstring injury will sideline him until at least Gameweek 32, a blow softened only slightly by the upcoming international break in March. But is this the end of Newcastle’s reliance on Bruno, or just the beginning of a new tactical era?
And this is the part most people miss: Nick Woltemade’s (£6.9m) deployment in a deeper midfield role could be the next Joelinton-esque transformation. Positioned as a left-sided eight/10, Woltemade showcased his tenacity and close control, even bagging his first goal of 2026. Could this be the start of a new midfield powerhouse? Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali (£5.3m) silenced critics with two long-range strikes, though whether this signals a return to form remains debatable.
On the Villa side, Marco Bizot’s (£4.2m) red card was the turning point, leaving Morgan Rogers (£7.6m) stranded in a defensive role. Tammy Abraham (£6.0m) continued his push for minutes, scoring an offside opener that stood due to the absence of VAR—a reminder of the cup’s unpredictability. But should FPL managers still back Watkins, or is Abraham the smarter pick?
Newcastle’s absences didn’t end with Bruno. Sven Botman (£4.9m) and Yoane Wissa (£7.3m) were also missing, though Howe assured their injuries are minor. Anthony Gordon (£7.2m) and Anthony Elanga (£6.5m) were rested, likely eyeing the midweek clash with Qarabag. But with a Champions League double-header looming, how will Howe’s rotation affect FPL selections?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Newcastle’s victory a sign of adaptability, or was it merely a product of Villa’s self-inflicted collapse? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Magpies can sustain their form without Bruno, or is this just a temporary reprieve?
