While the cup is a priority, will Steve Bruce have one eye on Tuesday night’s top flight trip to winless in 17 Sheffield United – or will he go for broke in North London? Here’s the XI our writer Liam Kennedy would pick tonight (kick-off 5.30pm)...
5. Paul Dummett
Injury has blighted the last two seasons for the Geordie defender and this cup campaign, however short, offers him a well-earned chance to get some minutes under his belt. Photo: Pool
6. Jamal Lewis
In a five-man backline I think Lewis fits best. Yes, he's not the best defender, but does offer more than Matt Ritchie going forward, when allowed to venture that far. In this formation the full-backs are key attacking weapons - and I think ex-Norwich man Lewis can be that, given he's far more energetic, sharper and more forward-thinking than Ritchie. Photo: HANNAH MCKAY
7. Sean Longstaff
My first-choice midfield for Sheffield United would be Matty Longstaff and Isaac Hayden, so I will play two of the other three in this one. The eldest of the Longstaff brothers at United is No.3 in my list of selection, so gets the nod. Photo: Alex Pantling
8. Jeff Hendrick
The Irishman edges out Jonjo Shelvey for a place in the United midfield. The hope, from me at least, is the ex-Burnley man can rekindle that quarterback performance against Everton from earlier in the season, and forget all of the other, less-than-impressive ones either side of it. Photo: RUI VIEIRA