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Preview: Can Newcastle United reach the FA Cup quarter-finals?

By Durim Halimi

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: General view inside the stadium prior to kick off during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Luton Town at The Hawthorns on February 01, 2020 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: General view inside the stadium prior to kick off during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Luton Town at The Hawthorns on February 01, 2020 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United will be traveling to The Hawthorns on Tuesday to take on West Brom in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Can the Magpies advance?

Newcastle United are usually eliminated from the FA Cup by the fourth round, but they are still in the competition and hope to advance to the quarter-finals. West Brom defeated West Ham to get this stage of the tournament, but can they upset another Premier League club?

Where They Stand

Newcastle United

  • Premier League: 14th, 32 points
  • Last Five: 0-3-2

West Brom

  • Championship: 1st, 69 points
  • Last Five: 3-1-1

Analysis

Newcastle United will be going up against another inferior opponent from a lower division, but the Magpies have struggled against opposition they should beat this season. Most of the club’s wins in league action have come against top teams, not bottom-half sides, and they needed to play two legs against Rochdale and Oxford United to reserve this meeting with West Brom.

The Baggies, on the other hand, are currently promotion-bound, and they defeated Charlton Athletic and West Ham in the first time of asking to get to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Despite playing in a lower division, West Brom are coming into this game with momentum on their side after winning three of their last five games.

Newcastle United have not won league a game since they upset Chelsea on January 18th, and the last time they scored a goal was on February 4th when three goals were needed to get past Oxford United in extra time. Steve Bruce’s side might be superior on paper, but their lack of confidence could see them struggle against West Brom.

Slaven Bilic indicated that his primary objective is to earn promotion to the Premier League and he will not play his strongest team as a result. Newcastle United could have played their strongest side if they took more points from Crystal Palace and Burnley, but now Bruce would be wise to keep some key players out of action.

Newcastle United will enjoy the support of over 6,000 traveling fans, so the team should not lack motivation. Dwight Gayle might be extra motivated to play against the Baggies since he played for them as a loanee last term, but he needs to be at his best.

It is worth mentioning that The Baggies have eliminated the Magpies from the FA Cup three times in the past. The last meeting in this tournament was in 2010 when Andy Carroll scored twice for Newcastle United, but West Brom celebrated a 4-2 victory.

Next. Rating Steve Bruce’s new tactics vs. Burnley. dark

Predictions

Tomorrow’s FA Cup clash is difficult to call, but we will give it our best shot. A win would be great for the Toon, but the club’s recent form does not generate much optimism.

  • Carson A. Merk: West Brom 2-1 Newcastle United
  • Durim Halimi: West Brom 1-1 Newcastle United