Paul Merson is not giving Newcastle much of a chance this weekend without their goalkeeper, Nick Pope.
The England shot-stopper is currently serving a suspension after getting sent off against Liverpool in an utterly bizarre incident. Pope ran out of his box to clear the ball and instead of putting his foot through it, attempted a diving header and ended up handling the football.
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As a result, he will miss their crucial Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United on Sunday, to make matters worse they will also be without Martin Dubravka who is cup-tied.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson hasn’t given Eddie Howe’s side much of a chance.
‘If there was one player Eddie Howe couldn’t afford to miss in this final, it would be Nick Pope. He has won them so many points this season.” he said.
‘I’d be shocked if Newcastle won this one without Pope in goal. He is that big for Newcastle United. Unfortunately, he is suspended and that’s going to cost Newcastle dearly.
‘When they’re keeping clean sheets, Pope is making big saves. Off the top of my head, in the draw against Arsenal, he made a world-class save to deny Eddie Nketiah.’