Newcastle United are one win away from the FA Cup quarter-finals, but they must first get past a tricky test against Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park.
Already set for a Wembley Stadium trip in the League Cup final, Eddie Howe’s side are pushing for a domestic cup double as they look to end an FA Cup drought that has lasted nearly 70 years.
Their campaign has been steady but not without difficulties. They brushed aside Bromley before edging a 3-2 thriller against Birmingham City, where a late Joe Willock goal sealed victory.
Defensive concerns persist, with 11 goals conceded in their last three Premier League games.
A midweek defeat to Liverpool stalled their top-four ambitions, but recent home wins over Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have shown they are not pushovers.
Newcastle have also been strong in this stage of the competition, winning their last nine ties.
Brighton are in good form after eliminating Chelsea in round four. Fabian Hurzeler’s side have won four of their last five away matches and have history on their side in this fixture.
They have won their last four FA Cup meetings with Newcastle without conceding a goal and secured a 1-0 Premier League win at St James’ Park in October.
Newcastle’s squad fitness remains a concern. Alexander Isak’s groin problem is not considered serious, but Howe is unwilling to take risks.
Callum Wilson should be available, while decisions on Sven Botman and Joelinton will depend on their training participation.
Without Isak, Newcastle have lacked their usual attacking threat, but Howe rejected claims they rely too much on one player.
“I don’t think we are a one-man team,” he said. “Alex brings unique qualities, but we can still be successful in a different way.”
Victory over Brighton would take Newcastle one step closer to a long-awaited FA Cup triumph. However, they must overcome a well-drilled side that has caused problems in recent meetings.
