Jon Mcleod
Andrew MacdougallThe weekend’s big one: Hull v Newcastle
Hull v Newcastle
Saturday 3, January 3pm
In one of only two FA Cup third round ties between Premier League sides, Newcastle and Hull go in search for some solace from their trials in the league.
Heavy defeats in recent weeks means both sides are as much looking for an up turn in form to ensure Premier League survival as they are eyeing Wembley glory.
The bosses:
Phil Brown - The festive season may have little good news for the Hull boss, but he and Hull remains the story of the season.
Joe Kinnear - The real works starts now for Kinnear. With the club no longer for sale and robbed of the siege mentality that has thus far defined Kinnear’s regime, the next few months will inform whether he has what it takes to guide Newcastle up the table with a more long-term plan
Team News
Hull - Craig Fagan could make his first start for four months and Phil Brown could shuffle his pack with the league remaining his primary target.
Newcastle - Fitness doubts persist over Jose Enrique, Nicky Butt and Shola Ameobi with Habib Beye, Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins, Joey Barton and Claudio Cacapa all facing prolonged periods on the sidelines.
Key Players
Hull - Despite scoring an own goal last time out against Aston Villa and a torrid run of form, Kamil Zayatte remains a central component to Hull’s defence and if he can regain his early season form he could help keep Newcastle’s frontline quiet.
Newcastle - Michael Owen has cut a disconsolate figure on Tyneside for the last few seasons and that will not change soon, but at least the former Liverpool striker is in the goals again and he is vital to Newcastle's chances.
Prediction
A late goal from Michael Owen rescues a replay for Newcastle, although it is one that neither side wanted. 1-1
