'Dangerous' - Bruno Guimaraes at risk of missing two Newcastle United games ahead of Arsenal clash

Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes is walking a disciplinary tightrope in his next nine Premier League matches.

The Brazilian was shown his ninth yellow card of the campaign during last month's 3-2 defeat to Manchester City at St James' Park, meaning he is just one caution away from serving a two-match suspension.

Guimaraes, along with Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier, was handed a one-match ban earlier in the season after accumulating five yellow cards in the opening 19 league matches.

The threshold has now increased to 10 yellows with a 32-match cut-off point. As a result, Guimaraes must avoid a caution before United face Tottenham Hotspur on April 13, or else be hit with a ban.

The 26-year-old is expected to feature in the starting XI when Newcastle travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening, and should he receive a yellow card, he'd miss the next two Premier League matches against AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal.

United head coach Eddie Howe admits Guimaraes is in a "dangerous place" but hopes he can stay out the referees book, a scenario that does seem extremely unlikely.

“He has to play in that line," said Howe. "He is the type of player that has to be emotionally committed to produce his best performance.

"I think he’ll be frustrated with some of the bookings he’s picked up this year but that’s all part of the learning process. Yes he’s in a dangerous place for us, we don’t want to lose him and we’re desperate for him to stay available. Hopefully he can keep his emotions under control and we can get through this period.

"He’s such a vital player as you saw near the end against Luton. His cross for Kieran’s goal and his cross for Jacob’s chance at the end was an incredible bit of play.” 

Anthony Gordon too is on nine yellow cards for the season, however the winger is a doubt to face Forest after picking up an ankle injury during last weekend's 4-4 draw against Luton Town.