Sheffield Wednesday aim to cause a giant-killing at home to Newcastle United at Hillsborough in Third Round of 2022-23 FA Cup.
Having reached this stage in four of last five seasons, victory would see the Owls advance to the Fourth Round for the fifth time in six seasons.
Newcastle meanwhile will avoid exiting at this stage for a third consecutive season with a win.
Team News
Tyreeq Bakinson is set to return for Sheffield Wednesday after recovering from illness.
Dominic Iofra (ankle/Achilles) is a doubt but Ben Heneghan, Michael Ihiekwe (both knee), Barry Bannan (hamstring) and Lee Gregory (back) remain absent.
Newcastle could welcome Alexander Isak back into contention if he passes a late fitness test following a lengthy muscle injury.
Emil Krafth (knee), Paul Dummett, Jonjo Shelvey (both calf) and Matt Targett (heel) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Sheffield Wednesday’s clash against Newcastle at Hillsborough will kick off at 6pm GMT on Saturday 7 January, with the match selected for live broadcast on BBC One in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Sheffield Wednesday have won just one of seven meetings against Newcastle across six previous FA Cup ties (W1, D1, L5), with their Fourth Round tie in 1935-36 needing a replay which the Magpies won 3-1.
- Newcastle are unbeaten in three previous FA Cup ties away to Sheffield Wednesday (W2, D1).
- Both teams have scored in each of their last six FA Cup meetings, of which three results finished 2-1 with Newcastle winning on two of those three occasions.
- Sheffield Wednesday have won just one of their last five FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition (W1, L4), which saw them defeat Brighton 1-0 in January 2020 in Third Round.
- Newcastle are unbeaten in five of their last six FA Cup ties against EFL opposition (W3, D2, L1), although the Magpies needed replays to beat Rochdale and Oxford United in 2019-20 FA Cup.
Prediction
Unbeaten in their last 17 matches in all competitions and having suffered just two home defeats all season, Sheffield Wednesday certainly will believe that they can cause a cupset if they’re at their best so I do expect them to come out and really mount a fight in front of a buoyant home crowd.
Newcastle though are flying high this season but were made to defend hard for a goalless draw at Arsenal in midweek Premier League action, so I do anticipate some changes but Isak’s return will provide a fresh threat up front.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies though are taking both cup competitions seriously so I do expect this to be a tough battle, although I can’t see past the Magpies if they can bring their best game and end their two-match goal drought.
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Newcastle United
Result: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Newcastle United
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