We are off to Hillsborough this weekend as we take a break from Premier League action, high flying Newcastle United travel to League One side Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup 3rd Round.
Unlike Wednesday who have had to overcome Morecambe and Mansfield Town to qualify for this fixture, Newcastle enter at this stage like the other top flight clubs.
Sheffield had the luxury of playing at their home ground in the first round of fixtures in this years competition when it kicked off at the start of November. Goals coming from Josh Windass & Alex Mighten secured a comfortable 2-0 victory which seen them progress into round two. The draw for round two also handed them a home tie against League Two side Mansfield Town. Things didn’t get off to the best of starts for Wednesday as they found themselves a goal down in the first half thanks to George Lapslie. The Owls were staring down the barrel of defeat until Michael Smith scored a brace in the last 15 minutes to complete the comeback and book their place in the third round against arguably their toughest opponents of the season so far.
Their league form isn’t too shabby either, unbeaten in 13 matches, they are now in second spot as they aim to secure their spot in the automatic promotion places. Their last league fixture saw them run out comfortable 5-0 winners over Cambridge United. Josh Windass bagged a hat-trick and Michael Smith grabbing a brace. Success against Newcastle on Saturday would take them through to the fourth round for the fifth time in six seasons.
The visitors to Hillsborough this weekend are a Premier League outfit that are on the top of their game at the moment. Fresh from a hard fought 0-0 draw against rivals and current league leaders Arsenal, The Magpies will be hoping to continue their fine unbeaten run in the league into the FA Cup. Eddie Howe has always stated that he wants to take the cup competitions seriously and after booking their place in the EFL Cup Quarter Finals, it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t been true to his word.
Newcastle’s latest outing in the Premier League at the Emirates was a gutsy performance against a side who until then had a perfect home record all season. Their point on Tuesday night leaving them in third place and within touching distance of their Oil Classico rivals Manchester City. They also have a EFL Cup Quarter Final looming it will be interesting to see how Eddie Howe rotates the team.
Sheffield Wednesday Team News: Club Captain Barry Bannan is unlikely to feature in Saturdays game after missing their last fixture at Cambridge United. George Byers and Will Vaulks are likely to be named in the centre of the park. Michael Smith and Josh Windass are expected to be named in the starting eleven as they continue their fine form.
Newcastle United Team News: With fixtures coming thick and fast over the festive period, Eddie Howe will likely field a side that has a mixture of young and veteran players in order to remain competitive and stand a chance in progressing to the fourth round. Jacob Murphy is expected to feature from the start and either Chris Wood or Callum Wilson will be at the front of the attack. Given that Callum Wilson has not long returned from injury and is quite injury prone, I wouldn’t he surprised if Chris Wood got the nod. Allan Saint-Maximin should also be included in the starting eleven after only featuring once since the international break. Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron are set to be rested as fringe players Jamal Lewis, Jamaal Lascelles and Javi Manquillo are likely to be included from the start. It is unknown whether Alexander Isak will be selected as he returns from injury.
Sutty’s Match Prediction: It’ll be foolish to rule out a cup upset but even with a side full of changes, Newcastle have the capability within the squad to dominate this fixture and progress. Eddie Howe has got his outfit playing with confidence and giving everything on the pitch so I expect the Magpies to leave Sheffield on Saturday night with a place in the hat for the next round. I really hope Alexander Isak features in some capacity on Saturday as he will be itching to pull that black and white shirt on once more following his impressive debut against Liverpool. My score prediction being Sheffield Wednesday 0 Newcastle United 3.
@jsuttonwrites
05.01.2023
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