An early indicator of how well Newcastle United can expect to do for the next month will be on display today as The Geordies face Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the FA Cup at St. James's Park without Demba Ba and Cheick Tiote. Their midfield talisman and powerful goal machine, arguably two of Newcastle's most important players (perhaps another contender for that crown Steven Taylor is out for the season) have flown out for the African Cup of Nations and it will be up to the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa and Leon Best to setup and perform in their absence. After the euphoria of Wednesday night's amazing 3-0 win over Champions Manchester United, it is expected to be a celebratory atmosphere at St. James's this afternoon with a hint of revenge on the mind for The Magpies. Although they battered a very poor Blackburn side 3-1 on this ground in the league already this season, they did get turned over in extra time in a very memorable League Cup tie at Ewood Park. And Pardew, who has spoke in the pre-match conference about his desire to lead out Newcastle at Wembley means we can probably expect a strong team to be fielded today.
Team News
Leon Best is likely to be recalled to the starting line-up in the absence of Ba. Pardew will need to decide whether to play Hatem Ben Arfa (who seems to be itching to play again) perhaps instead of Shola Ameobi who looked tired towards the end of the mid-week win against United and may find himself rested for league action next week. Ben Arfa could also be recalled back to the center of midfield with Tiote in Africa and both Yohan Cabaye and Ryan Taylor a doubt with a knock picked up against Man United. Dan Gosling and Gabriel Obertan are back from suspension and injury respectively and will be hoping for selection. Peter Lovenkrands is now also fit again after recent trouble but is likely to be on the bench. Steven Taylor, Danny Guthrie, Slyvain Marveaux and Nile Ranger are all out injured. For Blackburn, Martin Olsson (thigh) is available for selection and defender Gael Givet has also traveled despite trouble of his irregular heartbeat. Star man winger Junior Hoilett (hamstring) is doubtful, while defender Scott Dann is unfit.
Line-ups from;
Newcastle (from): Krul, Elliot, Harper, Simpson, R. Taylor, Santon, Ferguson, Perch, Coloccini, Williamson, Kadar, Cabaye, Obertan, Ben Arfa, Gutierrez, Sammy Ameobi, Gosling, Abeid, Vuckic, Best, Shola Ameobi. Blackburn (from): Bunn, Samba, Lowe, Hanley, Givet, Nzonzi, Rochina, Pedersen, Petrovic, Dunn, Hoilett, Olsson, Yakubu, Goodwillie, Formica, Roberts, Vukcevic, Slew, Blackman, Henley, Morris, Kean.