Rafa Benitez will tell his reshuffled Newcastle United XI to ensure they keep the fans in mind during the FA Cup clash with Birmingham City tonight.
Over 30,000 tickets had been sold at the close of play last night to ensure it will be an impressive attendance regardless of fans who make a last-minute decision to turn up at St James’ Park this evening for the third-round replay with the Blues.
Only 12,000 watched Sunderland lose to Burnley last night.
League One Oxford United await the winners of the tie in round four and Benitez expressed his delight at fans showing such an interest in the FA Cup this season.
He told the Chronicle: “To get more than 30,000 is just fantastic. That shows again how good our fans are.
“But also the importance of doing well in every game no matter what the competition.”