Newcastle United's FA Cup record examined ahead of Bournemouth clash
The latest Newcastle United news, via Lucy Scothern.
Newcastle United will welcome AFC Bournemouth to St James’ Park on Saturday for their FA Cup third round match up.
Historically, the Magpies have a rich pedigree in the tournament, lifting the trophy on six occasions. However the club’s fortunes in recent years have been far less fruitful, with multiple third-round exits and an inability to progress past the quarter finals defining the post-takeover era. Nonetheless, Newcastle’s thrilling 4-3 home win against Leeds on Wednesday and strong momentum capitalised by recent good form could prove decisive against the Cherries.
Until their triumph in last season’s Carabao Cup, Newcastle's domestic trophy cabinet had laid dormant since their 1955 FA Cup victory over Manchester City. A look into the Magpies’ FA cup record over the past five years presents three consecutive third round exits between the 20/21- 22/23 seasons, followed by a run to the quarter finals in 23/24 and a fifth-round exit last year. The generation of supporters who witnessed Newcastle reach back-to-back (albeit unsuccessful) finals in 1998 and 1999, will be hoping Eddie Howe and his side can emulate the road to Wembley, having already shown last season that they are capable of domestic success.
Meanwhile the Cherries arrive on Tyneside without an FA Cup trophy win in their history. They have never won the competition, nor gotten past the quarter finals, only reaching that stage for the first time in the 20/21 season before losing 3-0 to Southampton, and again last season when they were defeated 2-1 by Manchester City. Saturday marks only the third FA Cup meeting between the two sides, with one win apiece historically, though Bournemouth may draw confidence from being unbeaten in their last six encounters with Newcastle across all competitions.
Newcastle are coming into this match-up full of momentum after a 102nd minute winner scored by Harvey Barnes against Leeds on Wednesday night secured the Magpies three points. The dramatic result extended the Magpies’ unbeaten home run to 12 matches and leaves Howe’s side sixth in the Premier League.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
However, the win was not without its setbacks. Newcastle’s defence took another blow with Fabian Schär stretchered off in the second half and later taken to hospital with what Howe described as a ‘serious’ ankle injury. As the 34 year old’s contract with the club is set to end this summer, supporters showed concern that Schär may have played his final game for the club.
Defensive issues were further exacerbated by an uncharacteristically poor performance from Malik Thiaw, while Dan Burn remains sidelined with rib and lung injuries. There was encouragement in the returns of Sven Botman and Tino Livramento, both featuring after spells out through injury.
With a Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City set for the midweek, Howe’s team selection has the opportunity to look different to the usual Premier League line-up. Whether he chooses to rest regular Premier League starters or put out a typical line-up, there is the dilemma of balancing rotation to rest key players for league and EFL cup play and the club’s desire to end a 71-year FA Cup drought.
Bournemouth arrive fresh from a 3-2 home win over Tottenham, sealed by Antoine Semenyo’s 95th-minute goal; a result that ended an 11-match winless run and a first victory since October. Semenyo, however, will not be available this weekend after Manchester City finalised a £64 million deal for the forward, raising the possibility that he could instead be travelling to St James’ Park next Wednesday for the Carabao Cup match-up.
With both clubs in intriguing positions regarding injuries, transfers and balancing league/cup duties, Saturday is shaping up to be an interesting game.
Your next Newcastle United read: Man Utd legend 'would be happy' with move for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe