By Jemma Tappenden
January 22 2010

West Bromwich Albion play host to Newcastle United in the 4th round of the FA Cup this weekend, less than a week after the league fixture between them finished with even spoils in 2-2 draw. West Brom have the chance to reach the last 16 of the competition for the third time in 4 years, with one of those runs ending in a 1-0 Wembley defeat in the semi finals against Portsmouth in 2008.

The Toon Army on the other hand will be looking to reach the 5th round for the first time since 2006.

Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo looks set to name the same squad which featured at St James' Park on Monday, with James Morrison still sidelined with the heel injury which has made him a long term absentee, and Abdoulaye Meite still on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations.

For Newcastle Danny Simpson is a doubt after picking up a knock to the ankle on Monday, whilst striker Peter Lovenkrands takes compassionate leave after the death of his father.

Of the 12 Championship sides remaining in the competition, six will face each other in three all Championship ties, the other two being Cardiff City v Leicester City and Derby County v Doncaster Rovers.

Historically the spoils between these two sides are evenly shared, with West Brom edging the stats slightly - having won 43 of the 115 games with Newcastle compared to their 42.  Of those fixtures amazingly these two sides have only met four times previously in the FA Cup.  In 1954 the Baggies defeated the Magpies in the 5th round, going on to win the cup.  In 1974 it was Newcastle who ran out 3-0 victors at the Hawthorns in the 5th round, but they went on to lose to Liverpool in the final.

Tomorrow will be a tough test for Albion.  They have suffered just 2 defeats in their last 13 outings, whilst Newcastle remain unbeaten since 20th October 2009.  However with Newcastle having notched up draws in every one of their last three away fixtures, Roberto Di Matteo will be looking to capitalise on West Brom's home advantage.

FAC4: West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United

Discussion started by Baggies World (IP Logged), 22/01/2010 22:35

Baggies World
22/01/2010 22:35

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