Tonight’s all-Championship FA Cup third round replay sees Birmingham travel to Newcastle. The first game ended as a 1-1 draw, with Daryl Murphy scoring after 6 minutes for Newcastle, before Lukas Jutkiewicz equalised just before half time.
Team News
Jonjo Shelvey makes a timely return to the Newcastle squad after a five game ban, but Rafa Benitez suffered a triple injury blow during Saturday’s win over Brentford.
Dwight Gayle, Isaac Hayden and Vurnon Anita all joined an injury list, which already included Jesus Gamez, Massadio Haidara, Rolando Aarons and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Chancel Mbemba, Christian Atsu and Mohamed Diame are all at the African Cup of Nations, while Sammy Ameobi, Jamie Sterry and Haris Vuckic are all cup-tied.
Gianfranco Zola has suggested that he might rest some players for tonight’s game. Michael Morrison is suffering from a persistent groin problem, while Lukas Jutkiewicz could miss out over fears of a lack of cover in the striking positions.
New signing Craig Gardner is ineligible, while Clayton Donalson and Greg Stewart are still recovering from injuries.
Stats
- Newcastle have not progressed past the third round of the FA Cup since the 2012/13 season.
- Gianfranco Zola is yet to win a game since replacing Gary Rowett as Birmingham manager.
- Zola has drawn three and lost three of his opening six matches.
