Two sides on the up...only one can reach semi

Last updated : 16 March 2005 By Alistair Murray

As a consequence of that Robbie Keane, the only Tottenham player to have scored in every round of the competition this season so far is expecting a totally different game this time around. "We went up there and got a good result at the start of the season but as everyone knows, the sixth round of the FA Cup is a special game."

Martin Jol agreed, "It is all about spells, it was a long time ago and they don't have the same team they have now," pointing to the fact Olivier Bernard (Southampton) and Craig Bellamy (on loan at Celtic) have both left Newcastle since then. Jamie Redknapp has also moved on (Southampton) and Pedro Mendes (broken toe) is out of contention.

"If we make the last four of the FA Cup, then you can start to say we have really achieved something.

"But Newcastle have a strong, physical side with new players brought in during the transfer window.

"It wasn't his team when he (Souness) took over, he invested in the transfer window and they are now coming on with better results. We have quality too and are better placed in the league, but it is an away game and I am looking forward to our big travelling support helping us along," said Jol.

Robbie Keane will be hoping he can fire the goals past Republic of Ireland teammate Shay Given.

Just six players from Tottenham's 1-0 win on Tyneside started against Nottingham Forest in the fifth round of the cup at White Hart Lane last month. Keane was a substitute against Forest but started the fifth round replay. The striker with 14 goals this season was injured for the Premiership clash between the sides at St James Park.

"It's good to have that result there earlier in the season and it was a good three points for us but this is another occasion.

"The lads know what to expect. I'm sure we'll go up there with confidence and we won’t let their fans worry us.

"We are looking forward to enjoying the occasion and leaving with the right result," said Keane.

Midfielder Sean Davis is likely to replace injured Pedro Mendes on the bench after completing a further 90 minutes of reserve-team action earlier this week. Davis has only made five first team appearances since his switch from Fulham last summer.