Newcastle United have NEVER had a better chance to make the FA Cup sixth round – and here's why

Newcastle United are unlikely to get a better chance to make the FA Cup sixth round – for the first time since 2006 – and here’s why.
Liam Kennedy
By Liam Kennedy
Published 25th Feb 2020, 17:00 BST
Updated 25th Feb 2020, 17:00 BST
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Slaven Bilic, Manager of West Bromwich Albion looks on before the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest at The Hawthorns on February 15, 2020 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Slaven Bilic, Manager of West Bromwich Albion looks on before the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest at The Hawthorns on February 15, 2020 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Slaven Bilic, Manager of West Bromwich Albion looks on before the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest at The Hawthorns on February 15, 2020 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

According to Birmingham Live, West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic is likely to hand a number of fringe players the chance to impress when United travel to the Hawthorns next week, with his eyes firmly set on promotion back to the Premier League.

They report Kieran Gibbs, Matty Phillips, Darnell Furlong, Jon Bond and Charlie Austin could all be recalled to the starting XI, with January signings Callum Robinson and Kamil Grosicki unavailable due to turning out for Sheffield United and Hull City earlier in the competition. Midfielder Romain Sawyers is banned.

Bilic’s side are top of the Championship heading into the home straight, with themselves, Leeds United and the chasing pack battling it out for the two automatic promotions spots in the second tier.

Related topics:Slaven BilicPremier LeagueCharlie Austin