The FA Cup is one of Newcastle’s best chances of attaining silverware in a season. With normally not much else to play for, many fans want to see the Magpies progress as far as they can.
However, this season the Toon Army finds itself in a heavily contested relegation battle. Granted relegation has loomed over Newcastle for many years, but this is the most threatening one in some time.
Cambridge United travel to St James’ Park in the third round of the FA Cup. It will be the first time the two sides have faced each other since 1993, with Newcastle winning 3-0.
With injuries building up, extra cup games could risk more injuries
In recent matches, Newcastle has seen the likes of Jamal Lewis, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin substituted off with injuries. The busy Christmas period is now over, but, progression in the FA Cup would increase the probability of more players picking up knocks.
This could have a potentially disastrous effect on the Magpies. With Wilson potentially out for a fair amount of time, the relegation battle is looking a little tougher. More players being sidelined would add to the already existing problem on Tyneside.
New recruits are looking to be brought in over the January transfer window to add some much-needed improvement to the squad. Having said that, Newcastle will also need their current players to play their part too.
50,000 have paid their money, Newcastle still need to turn up
By no means am I saying that the Toon Army should just roll over and hand the win over to Cambridge. Thousands will flock to St James’ Park, with the cup tie looking like a sell out. Whoever Eddie Howe fields on Saturday should look to give 100% on the pitch.
With injuries and COVID issues, the Magpies should look to perhaps give opportunities to youngsters and squad players who perhaps don’t make the starting XI consistently. Young prospects such as Elliot Anderson and Joe White have made their way onto the bench in recent times – perhaps a start is on the cards.
You would still expect a weakened side to get past Cambridge, especially with a large home crowd behind them. For some players, it could be their home debuts should Howe field some youth players.
Whilst a cup run would be nice, it shouldn’t be a priority for Newcastle this season. With quite a few injuries and a relegation battle on their hands, survival should be their main focus.
I’m not saying they should roll over for Cambridge. But a cup run is not going to define whether or not this season is a success. That will only come with Premier League survival.
If you proposed the hypothetical scenario of survival, but an early FA Cup exit, most fans would take it.
It’ll certainly be interesting to see what lineup How goes with. Hopefully there’s an opportunity to give youth a chance.
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