IT'S been 73 years since Newcastle United last won the FA Cup, but Eddie Howe's side are one of the genuine contenders this season… depending on how seriously they take it.
The high-flying Geordies continue to be this season's shock troops in the Premier League and they ended leaders Arsenal's winning run in midweek with a gutsy and supremely well-organised goalless draw in the capital.
This week, they are on Cup duty with a trip to League One big-hitters Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in a huge Saturday live game.
Wednesday of course should be nowhere near the third tier of English football given their size, but Darren Moore's side at least look well-placed for a return to the Championship and sit in second place.
They haven't lost a game since the start of October when they went down to leaders Plymouth Argle and have taken care of Morecambe and Mansfield Town at home in the FA Cup so far.
Newcastle also don't do losing this season – they have suffered just one defeat in all competitions and that was at Anfield back in August.
Eddie Howe could make changes, but their next game is in the Carabao Cup against Leicester City so it's unlikely he will completely rip up his starting line-up.
How the bookies view it
Newcastle United were always going to be strong favourites here and can be backed at 1/2 with bet365. Sheffield Wednesday are 6/1 with Coral and the draw is 7/2 with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
The clubs were last in the same league – the Championship six years ago. Wednesday have actually won the last three meetings between the sides and Newcastle haven't won at Hillsborough for 23 years.
Players to watch
Former Rangers player Josh Windass is enjoying himself in Yorkshire and blasted a hat-trick in Wednesday's last game – a 5-0 romp against Cambridge United. He is 9/2 to score anytime with bet365.
Chris Wood is likely to replace Callum Wilson up front for Newcastle as Eddie Howe is likely to rest his star striker after returning from injury against Arsenal. He is 8/5 to score on Saturday with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Newcastle should of course have too much for the Owls here, but they have to settle for a narrow win. A combination of Newcastle rotating and Sheffield Wednesday being a decent side in their own right could make this a good contest.
Take the 11/4 with bet365 on Newcastle to win by one goal.
United have not conceded in their last six games, so it could be a game with not too many goals. The 11/10 from 10Bet on under 2.5 goals could come up with Wednesday only conceding three goals in their last nine games, albeit at a different level.
This FA Cup match between Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United will be played on Jan 7, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sheffield Wednesday vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
