Newcastle United found a way to win games a year ago when Bruno Guimaraes was gradually eased into life in the Premier League. However, the Brazil international's return from suspension cannot come quickly enough for the Magpies.
Bruno brings something different to this side. Not only is Bruno someone who can win the ball back and get Newcastle moving; the midfielder also possesses the vision and passing range that no one else at the club has.
Bruno is simply an 'untouchable' - to borrow a term used by Jose Mourinho - and the stats tell their own story about the talisman's influence. Newcastle have won 10 of the 17 (59%) Premier League games Bruno has played in this season and Eddie Howe's team have, tellingly, failed to triumph any of the five top-flight fixtures the playmaker has missed, including Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
