NEWCASTLE UNITED and Middlesbrough have both been handed home draws in the FA Cup third round, but Sunderland will be heading on their travels if they beat Walsall in a replay next week.
Newcastle, who have a wretched recent record in the early rounds of the FA Cup, will host Championship side Blackburn Rovers on the first weekend of 2019.
The Magpies last met Blackburn in the FA Cup in 2012, with Jonas Gutierrez’s last-minute goal securing a 2-1 win.
Middlesbrough will also be at home in round three, with Tony Pulis’ side set to host either Peterborough United or Bradford City.
The League One sides played out a 2-2 draw in the second round last weekend, with Bradford scoring two goals in the final six minutes to force a replay at Valley Parade.
Sunderland also need a replay, having drawn 1-1 at Walsall on Saturday, and the winners of next week’s rematch will travel to Championship strugglers Bolton Wanderers in round three.
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