· Spurs fans! Find a hotel near the ground here!
· 10 years ago - FA Cup 6th Rd - Liverpool 1 Spurs 2
· FA Cup Semi-Final April 11th 1999 - Newcastle 2 Spurs 0
· FA Cup 3rd Rd Replay 22nd December, 1999 - Newcastle 6 Spurs 1
· Preview (1) - The History

FA CUP:

04-05  2    H    1-1  Walton                  
       2R   A    0-4                            
34-35  4    H    2-0  G W Hunt 2              
51-52  4    H    0-3                             
86-87  5    H    1-0  C Allen (p)             
98-99  SF   OT   0-2*                            
99-00  3    H    1-1  Iversen
99-00  3R   A    1-6  Ginola  

FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP:

75-76  SF1  H    1-0   Pratt                  
       SF2  A    1-3   McAllister     

· Did you know? In December 1999, Newcastle became the first side since Chelsea in 1965 to knock Spurs out of the FA Cup two years in succession. They also became the first side since Luton in 1897 to knock Spurs out before Christmas!

In the year that Chelsea march on towards a top flight Championship that they last won in 1955, Newcastle covet their first domestic trophy for the same 50 years.

The Geordies won the fore-runner of the UEFA Cup (The Inter-City Fairs Cup) in 1969, but you have to go back to the 1950s for domestic success for the Tynesiders. Then, in 1951, 1952 and 1955, Newcastle lifted the FA Cup by beating Blackpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.

"Wor" Jackie Milburn was one who played in all three of those finals, scoring in two of them. Those of you travelling to Tyneside this Sunday may see the statue of Milburn erected on the approach to the ground. I believe the inscription reads "Jackie Milburn - a Gentleman and a Footballer". Milburn scored 177 league goals in his Newcastle career.

Now the Toon Army have a similar talisman - Alan Shearer - who recently scored his 250th League goal. Shearer scored two of the 6 goals that shamed Spurs in the FA Cup Third Round replay played at St James' Park on 22nd December, 1999, having also scored the two goals that beat us at Old Trafford in April that year. It's a shame he is fit this week!

Only Arsenal and Manchester United have appeared in more FA Cup Finals than Newcastle, who have won 6, and lost 7 of their games. Three of these defeats have come in the last 50 year void. The "Toon" lost 3-0 to Liverpool in 1974, when Malcolm McDonald was the Geordies idol. Then in 1998 and 1999, they lost to Arsenal and Manchester United, both games by 2-0. Alan Shearer will be desperate to complete his career with a first piece of silver-ware with his home team.

Spurs must have no time for their opponents "romantic" desires upon the FA Cup. Newcastle have fought a hard UEFA Cup match this week, whilst Spurs have had time to lick their wounds after a disappointing result at Southampton. Form-wise, Newcastle are on the up, and Spurs disappointing in the League over the last 6 games.

Assuming that Newcastle come through their trip to Greece in one piece, both sides should not be far below full strength. Boumsong will return in defence for the home side. Since his arrival, Titus Bramble seems to have settled down into his role. Graeme Souness is likely to have all the big names - Shearer, Kluivert, Bowyer, Dyer, Jenas, Robert, Butt - at his disposal. Spurs could do with the experience and cool expertise of Nourredine Naybet at the back, but he has been described as doubtful.

Spurs will need to quieten the home crowd as soon as possible, and if we can restrain their team, then maybe a future Spurs' hero such as Jermain Defoe can put the ball in the net for a decisive moment. Fredi Kanoute deserves a start after his substitute appearance last week, but Sean Davis may only be fit enough for a place on the bench. The Spurs lack of strength in midfield (Andy Reid will be Cup-Tied) may tell on Spurs, and I for one will be happy with a draw. I'll even predict 1-1.

If Newcastle win, they will match our 17 semi-final appearances. Let's hope we can stretch that lead!

COME ON YOU SPURS!