Oxford United look to cause a cupset as they host Newcastle United in Tuesday’s big Fourth Round replay of this season’s FA Cup at the Kassam Stadium.
Oxford produced a brilliant display to hold Newcastle to a goalless draw in the original tie, so will be confident of claiming another Premier League scalp this season as the winner will visit West Bromwich Albion in the next round.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesJames Henry is ruled out for Oxford United with a thigh injury suffered during Saturday’s League One win against Blackpool.
Anthony Forde (fitness) and Ben Woodburn (foot) remain sidelined.
Newcastle have no fresh injury concerns to report from Saturday’s goalless draw against Norwich, with Fabian Schar amongst those set to start.
Andy Carroll, Yoshinori Muto (both hip), Dwight Gayle,, Javier Manquillo, Jonjo Shelvey (all hamstring), Jack Colback (knee) and Emil Krafth (ankle) are unavailable till after Newcastle’s winter break.
Paul Dummett (tendon) and Jetro Willems (knee) are still ruled out for remainder of this season.
Stat Attack
- Oxford United are yet to lose to Newcastle in the FA Cup after two previous meetings (W1, D1).
- Newcastle have lost all three previous trips to Oxford across all domestic cup competitions, once in FA Cup and twice in League Cup.
- Oxford have avoided defeat in two of their last three home FA Cup meetings against Premier League opposition (W1, D1, L1), of which the draw and defeat both came against Chelsea in 1998-99 and 93-94 seasons respectively.
- Newcastle have lost two of their last three away FA Cup trips (W1, L2), of which one came against Oxford in the Fourth Round of 2016-17 tournament.
- Oxford have won each of their last two FA Cup replays by 3-0 results against Forest Green (R1 in 2018-19 season) & Macclesfield (R2 in 16-17 season)
Prediction
Newcastle will need to be careful to avoid an embarrassing defeat given their poor away form at the Kassam Stadium, although I am expecting a stronger performance with Schar starting in defence.
Oxford however have established a fierce home record and have home advantage, which is crucial given that their stadium has been an Achilles heel for many Premier League teams in recent seasons.
We therefore should see a decent game but I am backing Newcastle to end their losing streak and end a 13 season run without an appearance in the Fifth Round or further, if they turn up and produce their best attacking performance which is rare.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-2 Newcastle United
Result: Oxford United 2-3 (AET) Newcastle United