In their way is last season’s FA Cup and Premier League winners Manchester City, arguably the best team left in the competition by some distance.
Steve Bruce’s men have picked up four points from six since the restart and head into the clash full of confidence – but could they face a wounded animal in City, who relinquished their hold on the Premier League trophy on Thursday after defeat to Chelsea.
Here we take a look at the starting XI Bruce is expected to select for the visit of Pep Guardiola & Co to St James’s Park tonight (kick-off 6.30pm).
5. CENTRE-HALF: Federico Fernandez
A brilliant show, then followed by a bit of a shocker against Aston Villa. No matter, he still plays. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
6. LEFT-BACK: Danny Rose
Easily his best performance in black and white last time out. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
7. CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Jonjo Shelvey
Hit and miss so far after restart but scored last time out against Man City and has all the tools to influence this game. Photo: Pool
8. CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Fabian Schar
The classy Switzerland international could be thrown into the middle due to injuries and suspension to Nabil Bentaleb. Photo: Catherine Ivill