Premier League side Newcastle United host League One outfit Rochdale at St. James’ Park on Tuesday after the two sides drew their first FA Cup third-round tie.
Miguel Almiron put Steve Bruce’s team ahead on 17 minutes at Spotland Stadium, while Newcastle dominated large spells of the game.
But after the Magpies failed to convert their chances into goals, 40-year-old veteran striker Aaron Wilbraham scored a late equaliser to force the replay.
Newcastle come into the replay on the back of an impressive draw with Wolves. Almiron got on the scoresheet again, but Wolves leveled moments later.
Still, Newcastle were able to hold on to claim a valuable point. Bruce’s side are currently thirteenth in the top-flight standings – six points clear of the relegation zone.
On the other hand, Rochdale beat Bolton 2-0 in their previous game to seal back-to-back victories in League One.
Brian Barry-Murphy's side find themselves down in eighteenth place in the third-tier, so the gulf between the two teams is evident.
However, Rochdale have lost just two of their last 14 FA Cup, so they’ll be confident of upsetting the odds following their heroics in the first game.
Having said that, it’s important to remember that Rochdale have won just one of their 17 FA Cup games against top-flight opponents.
By contrast, Newcastle have only lost one of their 27 FA Cup home games against teams from a lower division.
Steve Bruce surprised everyone by fielding an almost full strength starting eleven at Spotland Stadium, but the Magpies boss is expected to make some changes this time around.
Yoshinori Muto picked up an injury in the previous game, while the likes of Fabian Schar, DeAndre Yedlin, Ki Sung-Yeung, Jamaal Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximin are all doubts.
As for Rochdale, Wilbraham started on the bench in the first leg, but he was restored to the starting line-up to face Bolton on Saturday. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll start on Tuesday.
Rochdale are likely to rise to the occasion and put up a fight, but Newcastle’s top-flight superiority should be enough to see them claim victory.
Forebet predicts that Newcastle will keep a clean sheet, while one goal should be enough to edge the win.
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