Newcastle will miss more than Nick Pope’s goalkeeping against Manchester United

Punditry has become so dumbed-down the guestlist often consists of cheerleaders. Everyone knows where Alan Shearer's allegiance lies yet it appears there is a contractual obligation to reference it whenever he is on Match of the Day.

So everyone was braced for a string quartet to assess Nick Pope's red card on Saturday. The Newcastle goalkeeper is now suspended for the League Cup final after a deliberate denial of a goalscoring opportunity in their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. Pope knew it was a red. Eddie Howe knew it. Some conspiracy theorists on Twitter refuse to believe it.

"One thing I would say though," Gary Lineker wailed, "he's getting a one-game ban, it's a competition that's different, he's going to miss the cup final now. That seems improportionate." Lineker got that vexed he made up a word.

Also read: What Ten Hag told fans at full-time

"Wasn't Joelinton on nine yellows, if he'd have got another yellow he'd have missed two games but not the Carabao Cup final - as an anomaly. Why is that? Come on, let him play in the cup final this season! He's been brilliant this season."

"Go on, Lineker," cheered Shearer.

"No, I mean it!"

Newcastle actually got away with Bruno Guimaraes' expulsion in the second leg of their semi-final against Southampton. As it was violent conduct and a three-match suspension, Guimaraes missed three Premier League games and is back for Sunday's showpiece at Wembley.

Howe misjudged Newcastle's goalkeeping situation. Martin Dubravka is eligible for a winners' medal - if Manchester United win - but is ineligible for Newcastle as his two appearances on loan at United were in the League Cup. Howe knew that when he allowed the experienced back-up 'keeper Karl Darlow to join Hull on deadline day last