MIDDLESBROUGH will face Arsenal four times in 18 days after the clubs were yesterday paired together in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

It is a short January spell which threatens to make or break the Riverside outfit's season.

But the tie of the fourth round, with games played the weekend of January 24, is Newcastle United's testing trip to Liverpool.

Sunderland's reward for overcoming neighbours Hartlepool is a tricky trip to fellow Division One promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town.

The fact that Boro were pitted against the Gunners has left manager Steve McClaren with a hugely difficult month to open 2004.

After tomorrow night's top-flight home fixture with Fulham, the Teessiders will take on title contenders Arsenal in four out of their five January matches.

Saturday's League trip to Highbury is the first of three visits to the capital for Boro, who also play Arsene Wenger's men in a two-legged Carling Cup semi-final as well as the FA Cup test they were handed yesterday.

McClaren said: "It's an incredible draw. Who could have predicted that we would be playing Arsenal four times in 18 days?

"It's certainly going to be a tough month, but this is what top-flight football is all about and we are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting period."

Newcastle defender Titus Bramble is confident that the Magpies can overcome Liverpool at Anfield - in a contest already being dubbed the battle of Kieron Dyer and Michael Owen.

Bramble is well aware that the Reds secured a 1-1 draw at St. James' Park earlier in the campaign but insists Sir Bobby Robson's men deserved to claim all three points.

And the centre-back feels Newcastle should hold no fear when they travel to Merseyside.

Bramble said: "It could have been kinder to us. It's a tough draw but if we play like we did against Southampton we have nothing to be scared of.

"If we play like we did against Southampton we know we are more than a match for anyone. But we have to make sure it is one of those days.

"We played Liverpool already this season and we thought we should have won.

"I know that it was at home but we know we are more than capable of playing like that away from home."

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy feels his fans will feel downbeat after his side avoided a plumb draw with one of the Premiership's big guns.

The Black Cats' 1-0 victory over Pool attracted a season-high crowd at the Stadium of Light and many of those home fans wanted a battle with a top-flight club.

Instead, Sunderland must travel to Ipswich, who they beat 1-0 in the fourth round three seasons ago, and McCarthy said: "It's an all First Division tie and we know all about Ipswich. When we played them here it was one of the games of the season.

"It's not ideal for our fans because it's such a long distance for them to travel but, as ever, we'll be well supported.

"Everyone got excited about the draw after Saturday and maybe it was a comedown for some. The pressure will be off us a little. Ipswich are at home and will be expected to win.

"We'll go there, give it a right good go and hope to get in the next round."

Nationwide Conference Scarborough will be rewarded with a home tie with billionaires Chelsea if they can overcome Southend United in a replay at the McCain Stadium a week tomorrow.

And former Darlington forward Clint Marcelle, now at Scarborough, said: "It will be amazing if all the big-name Chelsea players come to Scarborough.

"And it will be especially good for some of the younger lads to get a taste of the big time."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.