If there ever was a time for Newcastle United to take the FA Cup seriously, that time has finally come, and it is Steve McClaren’s job to get a win against Watford on Saturday.

Since taking over from John Carver in June 2015, McClaren is yet to win over Toon fans, despite earning wins over Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. The Magpies look to be down in another relegation dogfight again this season, which is something all too familiar for Newcastle fans.

With a trip to high-flying Watford of Saturday, it’s time for McClaren and his players to start taking this competition seriously after being eliminated from the third round stage in four of the last five seasons whilst it was this time twelve months ago when a weakened Newcastle side were eliminated by Leicester City.

Goalkeeper Rob Elliot is up for the challenge of advancing in the FA Cup, telling the Chronicle: “the FA Cup is the biggest competition outside the Premier League,” and that going on a run in this elite competition “makes you a legend at this place,” which is something Elliot & Co. will be looking to do at Vicarage Road.

If Newcastle are to get a win in the FA Cup on Saturday, it “breeds confidence to take into the league if we win,” added Elliot. The Magpies occupy one of the relegation spots and are destined to beat the drop for a second season running.

“It will kick-start the new year even more,” Elliot told the Chronicle. “If we take confidence and attitude forward from Arsenal then hopefully that can only be a good thing for club.”

Newcastle suffered a defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion at this stage two years ago, which Elliot played a part of. That day, the 29-year-old started ahead of the rested Tim Krul, but having played second-fiddle to the Dutch international, the Irishman is now in the squad on merit after a number of good performances.

Newcastle did enjoy an FA Cup run in 1999 which saw them reach the final, but the likelihood of that happening again this season is very small. 

Stick or Twist?

The question remains at to whether McClaren should rest his key players for the match against Manchester United, just three days after the FA Cup clash against Watford. Or, should McClaren opt to start his big players such as the impressive Georginio Wijnaldum and Florian Thauvin, who is perhaps yet to make a name for himself.

Wijnaldum has been Newcastle's best player this season
Wijnaldum has been Newcastle's best player this season

As Elliot mentioned, a cup run would be great for Newcastle to take into the Premier League, but is it worth the risk, considering the Tyneside club are fighting at the bottom.

That being said, Sunderland’s League Cup run of 2014 saw Newcastle’s rivals reach the final, which ultimately turned their league form on its head, avoiding relegation which is perhaps something McClaren could look at.

The Newcastle manager has told fans he will be selecting a “strong” Newcastle side, but whether or not that lives up to expectation, fans will have to wait and see.

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