Newcastle travel to Rochdale looking to improve on their woeful FA Cup record during the Mike Ashley era.
We all know how bad it’s been so let’s just keep it short and sharp - Dale have played in the fourth round more times than Newcastle in the past six seasons.
United can’t afford to fail here.
Lee Ryder’s prediction
The injury crisis at United could not have arrived at a worst time for Steve Bruce.
After vowing to take the cup seriously, Bruce will have no choice but to field a weaker team and use some youngsters.
It means the make up of the team will be similar to some of the sides that have crashed out at the first hurdle in the last few years.
Rochdale will be up for this but something about this game suggests it might lead to a replay on Tyneside - something the minnows would absolutely relish.
Referee
David Coote (Notts)
Charity bet
Matty Longstaff to be an anytime scorer at 21/10
