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West Brom have the same squad that picked up a 2-2 league draw against the Magpies. Whether Roberto Di Matteo opts to makes changes to the starting XI that lined up on Monday remains to be seen but the two-time cup winner is certainly taking the competition seriously. Roman Bednar started as the lone man in attack but was replaced by Ishmael Miller just after the hour mark, and the fit-again striker will be hoping to get more minutes under his belt as a flurry of games approach. Bednar was part of four changes for the Magpies clash as Di Matteo responded to the 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest, with Youssouf Mulumbu, Robert Koren and Marek Cech also coming in. James Morrison (heel) is still the only man on the sidelines but he is looking to return before the end of the month, while Abdoulaye Meite remains on African Nations Cup duty with Ivory Coast following their progression into the quarter-finals. | ||
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Newcastle striker Peter Lovenkrands will miss the FA Cup fourth-round trip to West Brom on Saturday as his compassionate leave continues. The 29-year-old flew back to England for Monday night's 2-2 draw with the Baggies at St James' Park just days after returning to his native Denmark following the death of his father, Bent. Lovenkrands, who scored his side's second equaliser in that game, has since flown home once again and will not be involved in the squad at The Hawthorns. New signing Danny Simpson, who completed a permanent move to Tyneside on Wednesday evening after a successful loan spell, is a doubt after damaging an ankle on Monday evening. Long-term absentee Joey Barton is still unavailable but the likes of Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar and Nile Ranger will once again come into contention. |