Newcastle have historically struggled in the third round of the FA Cup, but the Magpies should have little trouble progressing on Sunday when they host Bromley.
The Tyneside giants have been knocked out in the third round in seven of the last 12 campaigns, including an embarrassing home defeat to Cambridge United at St James' Park in 2021/22. However, last season proved more successful than most, with Newcastle reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual runners-up Manchester City.
Despite their past struggles, Newcastle will have no qualms about welcoming Bromley to League Two. Eddie Howe is likely to make significant changes to his starting line-up, offering first-team regulars a well-earned break and giving special players a much-needed opportunity.
Here's how Newcastle can line up.
GK: Odysseas Vlachodimos – Sunday should give third-choice Vlachodimo just his second outing in black and white. Nick Pope is currently sidelined and Martin Dubravka could be rested amid uncertainty over his future.
RB: Kieran Trippier – Trippier's decline has been swift and the Englishman now finds himself on the bench most weeks, struggling to usurp his impressive youngster Tino Livramento.
CB: Fabian Schar – Having missed the last two games through suspension and with Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles both injured, first-team Schar should feature in the heart of the defence.
CB: Lloyd Kelly – The summer signing has had limited opportunities for the Magpies and did not feature throughout December. The meeting with Bromley should provide him with a first start since the 2-0 loss to West Ham United at the end of November.
LB: Matt Targett – The left-back has managed just one appearance this season due to injuries and the outstanding form of Lewis Hall. Sunday will be his first start of the campaign.
CM: Joe Willock – The midfielder featured for over an hour for former Arsenal employers in midweek with Bruno Guimaraes suspended, but his fellow Brazilian could be offered another break this weekend. Willock has reached a month without injury, which is something to celebrate.
CM: Sean Longstaff – The combative, no-nonsense midfielder will anchor the engine room against Bromley, seeing his minutes reduced following the return of Sandro Tonali from his long-term suspension.
CM: Lewis Miley – Miley was integral for Newcastle last season amid an injury crisis, but the 18-year-old has struggled with his fitness issues this season. Sunday could be his first start of the season.
RW: Miguel Almiron – Almiron could leave St James' Park for MLS in the winter, but the hard-working winger will continue to give his all for the Magpies in the meantime.
ST: William Osula – With Callum Wilson injured and Alexander Isak set to rest, a chance should present itself for Osula. The summer recruit is still looking for his first goal for the club, although he has been largely limited in appearances.
LW: Harvey Barnes – The outstanding form of Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon has pushed Barnes down the rankings. The former Leicester City winger has not started since early December and could use this game as a confidence builder.