Preview: FA Cup - Newcastle United vs. Blackburn Rovers

Newcastle United face Blackburn Rovers in one of only two all-Premier League encounters in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The home side will look to follow up their convincing victory over Manchester United on Wednesday and progress to the fourth round.

They will be without top scorer Demba Ba and midfield powerhouse Cheick Tiote, who are off to the Africa Cup of Nations to represent Senegal and the Ivory Coast respectively.

At the back Alan Pardew is likely to again select Davide Santon after the Italian impressed against United.

For the visitors, Steve Kean will hope for a run in the cup to ease the pressure on his position and may hand Ruben Rochina a surprise start.

Mark Bunn is likely to start between the posts as Paul Robison is nursing a calf injury while Junior Hoilett and Martin Olsson are expected to miss out.

The pair have already met once outside the league this season in a seven-goal Carling Cup tie at which Rovers came out on top 4-3 thanks to a 120th minute goal from Gael Givet.

Current Form:

Newcastle: LDLWLW Blackburn: LLLDWL

Possible lineups:

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon; Ben Arfa, Cabaye, R Taylor, Vuckic, Best, Ameobi

Blackburn: Robinson; Hanley, Samba, Givet, Pedersen; Dunn, Rochina, N'Zonzi, Lowe; Yakubu, Goodwillie

Sports Mole says: 2-2