Eddie Howe is expecting a ‘very difficult’ game against Sheffield Wednesday in Saturday’s FA Cup tie. Newcastle travel to Hillsborough to take on The Owls in the 3rd round of the prestigious competition, and the Toon boss is keen to avoid another shock defeat at the hands of lower-league opposition.
12 months ago, The Magpies suffered a humiliating loss to Cambridge United at this very stage, but it was this defeat that proved to be the kick that Howe’s side needed to get their act together. They have since gone unbeaten in 20 home games, winning 14 and drawing 6.
Speaking of the Cambridge defeat, Howe said: “The interesting thing from that game is we picked a very strong team and it goes to show these games are so difficult. People will make assessments on what team you pick but there’s no guarantee to any game just by picking a set group of players that you’ll win the match.
The Cambridge defeat is now a distant memory for the Toon Army. Howe went on to guide his side to Premier League safety last season, and they now sit 3rd in the table after just one defeat in this campaign.
Sheffield Wednesday are also enjoying a fine season, with Darren Moore’s side sitting 2nd in the League 1 table just 4pts behind leaders, Plymouth.
With this in mind, Howe admits his side are in for a tough time of it at Hillsborough, and has warned his players that their mentality must be right against very difficult opponents.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Howe added: “I think the biggest thing for us is how we approach the game and the mentality of the group. Their motivation levels, professionalism and desire.
“This is going to be a very difficult game. I’ve watched Sheffield Wednesday a lot and they’re a very good team who are having a great season. We’re under no illusions this is a difficult task but made even more difficult if we’re not in the right place ourselves.”
Newcastle have actually lost their last three games against Sheffield Wednesday, although two of those came in the Championship winning season of 2016/17. A better omen for the Toon is that they have won 5 of their 6 previous FA Cup meetings against The Owls.