Newcastle United will be bidding to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday evening when they travel to Ewood Park to take on Blackburn Rovers.
The Magpies were beaten 4-1 by Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday night, with the result ending their five-game unbeaten run. They are eighth in the Premier League standings, 15 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, so it has become very difficult for the Tyneside-based club to qualify for the Champions League next season.
However, Eddie Howe and his boys need to secure European football of some kind, which should make winning the FA Cup their top agenda. They have beaten Sunderland and Fulham in the last two rounds and should be favourites on paper against Blackburn Rovers, who are currently 16th in the Championship table.
Newcastle United Team News
Eddie Howe hopes Martin Dubravka will be available for selection after the goalkeeper missed the game at Arsenal on Saturday due to illness. Both Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson are close to returning after spending months on the sidelines.
Joe Willock and Alexander Isak returned from their respective problems against Arsenal, with the former scoring the consolation goal on his return to the Emirates Stadium.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Blackburn Rovers (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Martin Dubravka is touch-and-go for the midweek cup fixture due to illness. As a result, Loris Karius, who performed admirably despite the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal, could continue in goal.
Defence
Dan Burn could come into the side following the clash with Arsenal. The towering Englishman is primed to replace Tino Livramento at left-back. Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, should continue at right-back.
Fabian Schar and Sven Botman should continue in central defence for Newcastle, aiming to keep the Blackburn forwards quiet.
Midfield
Eddie Howe can shuffle the pack in midfield, where Joe Willock will almost certainly be brought in after his impactful cameo against Arsenal, joining Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff in the engine room in the process. Newcastle’s potential midfield triumvirate will look to take control of the game and dictate terms against Blackburn.
Willock’s inclusion should allow young Lewis Miley to enjoy a much-needed rest.
Attack
Both Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes will get opportunities to operate on the wings from the start, with Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon dropping to the bench. The duo must take responsibility for creating opportunities in the box for Alexander Isak, who will lead the attack against the Championship side. The Swede would be eager to get himself on the scoresheet after firing blanks at the Emirates Stadium.