BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton believes Newcastle United will have to 'survive' against Sheffield Wednesday when they travel to Hillsborough this weekend in the F.A Cup third round.
The Magpies were famously dumped out of the competition last year after a 1-0 upset loss to Cambridge United in the third round but will want to avoid a repeat of such an exit this time around.
The Premier League high-flyers will face a tough opposition in the form of the League One promotion-chasing Owls who have lost just three league matches all season.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe gives positive Alexander Isak update with Newcastle striker closing in on return
READ MORE: Allan Saint-Maximin makes exciting promise ahead of 'new chapter' with Newcastle United
Sutton believes that the tie could even go to a replay if manager Eddie Howe makes too many changes away from the side that drew 0-0 with league leaders Arsenal on Tuesday.
"Eddie Howe used to be known for making 10 or even 11 changes to his team for FA Cup ties when he was in charge at Bournemouth, so it will be interesting to see what he does when his Newcastle side travel to Sheffield Wednesday.
"Newcastle are doing brilliantly in the Premier League, and have got a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester coming up on Tuesday. Their fans already love Howe - imagine how they would feel about him if he lands them a major trophy?
"This is a tricky tie, though, with Wednesday in good form and going for automatic promotion. I don't see a repeat of last season, when Newcastle were upset by another League One side, Cambridge, at St James' Park, but they might have to survive a bit of a scare to make it through to round four."
Sutton's prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Newcastle United (Newcastle to win replay).
READ NEXT:
Dan Burn relishing Newcastle's fearless spirit after going 'toe-to-toe' with Premier League's best
Newcastle must make 'right call' after surprise exit to deliver on Howe vision and Staveley pledge
Sven Botman could already be best Newcastle United defender of Premier League era
Three transfer window priorities for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe this month
Garang Kuol's Hearts visit explained as club break silence on Newcastle United target
