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Preview: Newcastle kick off the FA Cup vs. the Gunners

By Carson A Merk

Elliot Anderson of Newcastle United F.C. (Photo by Newcastle United/Getty Images)
Elliot Anderson of Newcastle United F.C. (Photo by Newcastle United/Getty Images) /
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Tomorrow, Newcastle United will play Arsenal in the FA Cup third round at the Emirates.

After a defeat vs. Leicester City last weekend, Newcastle United return to action tomorrow in an FA Cup showdown with Arsenal.

Double Debuts?

Newcastle United have a quick turnaround after this match as they are set to face Sheffield United on Tuesday. Steve Bruce will want to avoid becoming the first Premier League club to be defeated by the Blades and could decide to rest some crucial legs vs. Arsenal instead.

That could make tomorrow’s fixture the perfect time for promising prospect Elliot Anderson to make his debut for the first team. He’s been identified as Newcastle’s young player to keep an eye on in 2021 by The Athletic, and Newcastle supporters could get their first look at the 18-year-old at the Emirates tomorrow.

Martin Dubravka, according to Steve Bruce, seems set to make his 2020-21 season debut. While Karl Darlow has excelled in EPL play, Dubravka could ease back into the mix with a start in goal in the FA Cup.

Earlier Urgency

For most of this season, including the loss to Leicester City, Newcastle United turned up their intensity late in the match. They score a majority of their goals in the second half and often showcase urgency in the second 45 minutes that’s drastically missing in the first half.

Against Arsenal, Newcastle will need to play with more pace and passion early in the match. The Gunners are beatable and Newcastle should establish early on that they are not there to roll over. If they let Arsenal play with too much possession and confidence, a later push might not be enough for the Magpies.

light. Related Story. Newcastle should consider a shock bid for this Arsenal playmaker

NUFC Availability Update

Jamal Lewis has a knock and is out tomorrow, meaning Matt Ritchie almost certain to start at left-back. Ryan Fraser is also not fit to play. Bruce said Jamaal Lascelles has been given the green light, so he could finally return from his absence due to COVID-19. Also, Allan Saint-Maximin is back in the country and is awaiting to go-ahead to resume training.