"Not the draw you would have really wanted".
That was the instinctive response from the Total Sport team on BBC Radio Newcastle when the Magpies were pulled out to face a trip to Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Take a listen to the reaction below and get all of your Newcastle United audio here
Newcastle United along with Manchester United and Tottenham are all monitoring 22-year-old centre back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo. (CaughtOffside), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesThe draw for the FA Cup fourth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties involving Premier League teams in the order they were drawn.
The matches will be played over the weekend of 14 February.
Liverpool/Barnsley v Brighton
Stoke City v Fulham
Oxford United v Sunderland
Arsenal v Wigan Athletic
Hull City v Chelsea
Burton Albion v West Ham
Burnley v Mansfield Town
Grimsby Town v Wolves
Aston Villa v Newcastle
Manchester City v Salford City/Swindon Town
Macclesfield v Brentford
Birmingham City v Leeds
Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesSven Botman has signed a new contract with Newcastle United until 2030.
The Dutch defender had entered the final 18 months of his original deal, but has now committed his long-term future to the club.
"I'm really happy to sign this contract," he said. "This club has given me so much in the past three and a half years.
"I've grown as a person and as a player here and I feel like I have so much more to give in the long term.
"That's why both parties are really happy with this decision and I'm looking forward to what's coming in the future here."
Sporting director Ross Wilson spent his first few days in the post analysing the contracts of Newcastle's squad after joining the club from Nottingham Forest back in October.
It certainly did not escape his attention that Botman's deal was up at the end of next season, and head coach Eddie Howe was also keen to tie the centre-back down.
"He has been an outstanding player for us since he joined and I firmly believe there's more to come from him," Howe added.
"Sven has a strong mentality and work ethic, which is clear every time he trains or plays. We value his presence on and off the pitch and l'm really pleased to see his long-term future secured here."
Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images"Are the right players available in January?"
It was a question Eddie Howe openly asked, himself, about the transfer window at his news conference on Tuesday.
The Newcastle head coach is light on options at the back after defender Tino Livramento joined Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth on the sidelines after hobbling off with a hamstring injury in the dramatic penalty shootout win against Bournemouth.
But there are no guarantees the club will dip into the transfer market this month as any mid-season moves would have a knock-on effect on what Newcastle can do in the summer.
"The key thing for us to consider is business now versus business in the summer, value for money now versus value for money in the summer and signing the right player," Howe said.
"Because if you sign the wrong player, you're carrying that then for a three, four, five-year contract."
There is no doubt Wednesday's opponents Manchester City have signed the right player in forward Antoine Semenyo, who will line up against the holders' stretched backline in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie on Tuesday night.
Semenyo would have been cup-tied in previous seasons after already representing Bournemouth in the second round.
However, under EFL rule 6.4, a player is permitted to play for up to two clubs in the competition in a season.
"It was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they'd signed him," Howe smiled.
"That's probably one rule change I probably wouldn't be supportive of at this current moment, but Antoine's had an incredible season.
"I'm a big admirer of his, and he scored on his debut, so fair play to him. I think Man City have signed a very good player."
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City at St James' Park (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
You can listen to Howe's words here and below are the key lines from his news conference:
Tino Livramento will have a scan on his hamstring today "to understand the extent of the damage".
Howe said playing 120 minutes against Bournemouth in the FA Cup at the weekend "wasn't ideal" given their fixture schedule but getting through to the fourth round was the most important thing.
As a result of Saturday's game, assessing the players' "physical energy levels" is the "upmost" priority before selecting his team for Tuesday's game.
On the first-leg of the semi-final being at home: "The natural preference is a home game for the second leg because by then you have a clear understanding of what you need to do and have the home crowd with you. It's not like that this time [round] so we need to give everything to try and impose ourselves on them in this home tie."
Howe said they "really enjoyed the two-legged format" last season against Arsenal, but "this is going to be a totally different challenge because Manchester City are the hardest team to play over two legs in this country".
On opponents City: "Pep [Guardiola] will tactically have something ready for us, and we will have to be at our very best to get through. They change and tinker a lot with the tactical set-up they have. They're a difficult team to read and know how to plan and prepare for."
Howe said his "focus is laser-like" for January, but the schedule for the players "is a huge challenge and incredibly demanding, physically and mentally".
There is still "no definitive return date" for right-back Emil Krafth as he is still having problems with his knee. Howe said: "He really is a big miss for us. He has always been such a reliable performer and has the versatility we need. We are desperate to have him back but we will have to wait and see."
Follow all of Monday's Carabao Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup game between Newcastle and Bournemouth.
Here are some of your comments:
Newcastle fans
Richard: That penalty shootout became a must win for Newcastle. Had we lost after conceding that ridiculous late goal I think it would have been a real confidence killer for us. That said, the simple fact is we just don't seem to have any consistency at all this season. With the smallest of margins we have won our last two matches. It could have easily been a very different set of results. Any chance we could just have a nice undramatic 2-0 win sometimes, please?
Barry: I was there! Lots of positives for both sides. Great determination from us to take the lead, but we must learn to manage the game from that point. Bournemouth players were exhausted! Gordon, Tonali, Hall, Botman, Miley, Barnes and Ramsey were inspirational.
Phil: Could've been the second 4-3 in the space of a week! Last thing Newcastle needed was 120 minutes of draining football but at least they won and are in the hat for the next round.
Geoff: Brilliant performance. Exciting all the way through. Watching the penalties my nerves are shot. This new Newcastle never gives up. Fantastic to see.
Bournemouth fans
Neil: So proud of the boys, Wednesday was a rollercoaster and so emotional with the fairy tale ending scripted in the stars. No shame being knocked out on pens. Fabulous effort and matched Eddie's boys toe to toe. If we recruit well with the proceeds of Semenyo's sale we will be fine.
Andrew: Considering the squad we had available, that was a pretty reasonable performance. Had enough chances to win it too.
Pete: Great performance guys, never gave up, a credit to all concerned. Worth the trip. Considering all the changes you all put on a fabulous display, well done! Keep the faith, us supporters will.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe 2025-26 FA Cup fourth-round draw will take place on Monday, 12 January at approximately 18:35 GMT.
Proceedings will take place before kick-off in the third-round tie between Liverpool and Barnsley at Anfield.
Former England internationals Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole will conduct the draw that will consist of 32 teams live on TNT Sports.
Supporters can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.
All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 14 February.
Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Non-league Macclesfield are the lowest-ranked team in the draw after beating holders Crystal Palace in a remarkable 2-1 victory.
What are the ball numbers?
1. Wolverhampton Wanderers
2. Southampton
3. Aston Villa
4. Port Vale
5. Wigan Athletic
6. Ipswich Town
7. Wrexham
8. Chelsea
9. Manchester City
10. West Ham United
11. Brentford
12. Fulham
13. Sunderland
14. Liverpool or Barnsley
15. Burnley
16. Norwich City
17. Arsenal
18. Leeds United
19. West Bromwich Albion
20. Salford City or Swindon Town
21. Burton Albion
22. Grimsby Town
23. Hull City
24. Newcastle United
25. Oxford United
26. Leicester City
27. Birmingham City
28. Bristol City
29. Stoke City
30. Macclesfield
31. Brighton & Hove Albion
32. Mansfield Town
Pundits Dion Dublin and Rob Green join host Jason Mohammad to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's FA Cup ties.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Ciaran Kelly
BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesAnother day - and yet more chaos at St James' Park.
Leaky Newcastle have conceded six goals in just two games on home turf this week, yet Howe's side managed to get over the line on both occasions.
That will give the Newcastle head coach a little encouragement - even if this sapping tie was not exactly ideal preparation for the visit of Manchester City on Tuesday night.
Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Nick Woltemade all played 120 minutes; Lewis Hall, Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon had lengthy cameos from the bench; and Tino Livramento hobbled off with an injury.
But the hosts will be lifted by the crowd once again on Tuesday night as they contest the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Eddie Howe spoke this week about wanting his players "to enjoy playing here, to feel safe and able to express themselves".
Just as Newcastle supporters encouraged his side during the shootout - even singing Guimaraes' name after he missed - the boos were deafening by the time Bournemouth defender Bafode Diakite took his spot-kick.
The cheers were even louder when he missed.
The home crowd certainly savoured the manner of this victory as they bounced up and down to the strains of Freed From Desire at full-time.
Newcastle have now not lost at St James' since September, winning 11 of their past 13 home games in all competitions.
That gives them a chance against Manchester City.
Listen to Aaron Ramsdale's post-match interview on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking after their FA Cup penalty shooutout win against Bournemouth: "We didn't give up. It was a classic FA Cup tie. Extra-time was probably the last thing both managers wanted but the priority was to try and get through.
"It's important. These months are defined by your professionalism and your will to win. Aaron made big saves for us. Sometimes in a really tight win like this, great things can come.
"The result just keeps the good feeling going. We want to keep the momentum going into the season. We experienced two semi-finals last season that were incredible.
"I think it's a great time to be involved with Newcastle. We have the Champions League to come. The will to win has taken us into the latter stages of the League Cup. We have every reason to be enthusiastic about the future."
On Harvey Barnes: "Great performance. Always a scorer of important goals. He thought his second tonight would be the winner but it wasn't to be. He took a penalty in the shootout."
On Tino Livramento's injury: "It looks serious to a point where he'll be out for the next game and the games beyond. It looks like a hamstring problem."
Did you know?
Newcastle have won five of their last seven penalty shootouts in all competitions, progressing from their last two in the FA Cup, (also vs Blackburn in the fifth round in February 2024 (1-1, 4-3 on pens).
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Newcastle's performance
What did you make of Bournemouth's display?
Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies
Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa start together for the first time as Newcastle United ring the changes for the visit of Bournemouth in the FA Cup.
Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock also come into the side as head coach Eddie Howe makes seven changes.
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Livramento, Tonali, Ramsey, Willock, Wissa, Woltemade, Barnes.
Subs: Pope, Hall, Joelinton, Gordon, A.Murphy, Guimaraes, Neave, Miley, Alabi.
Injury-hit Bournemouth make six changes as manager Andoni Iraola begins life without Antoine Semenyo following his move to Manchester City.
Julio Soler, Bafode Diakite, Adam Smith, Amine Adli, David Brooks and Enes Unal are all recalled following the midweek win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Cook, Soler, Brooks, Scott, Smith, Diakite, Adli, Kroupi, Hill, Unal.
Subs: Forster, Truffert, Senesi, Evanilson, Tavernier, Jimenez, Milosavljevic, Rees-Dottin, Gonzalez.
There are 18 third-round ties in the FA Cup on Saturday - 16 involving Premier League and Championship teams, who all enter the competition at this stage - and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Cheltenham v Leicester (12:15) - BBC Radio Leicester
Everton v Sunderland (12:15) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Macclesfield v Crystal Palace (12:15) - BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Radio Manchester
Wolves v Shrewsbury (12:15) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 & BBC Radio WM
Boreham Wood v Burton Albion
Burnley v Millwall - BBC Radio London
Doncaster v Southampton - BBC Radio Solent
Fulham v Middlesbrough - BBC Radio 5 Live
Ipswich v Blackpool - BBC Radio Suffolk
Man City v Exeter City - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Newcastle v Bournemouth - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 & BBC Radio Newcastle
Salford P-P Swindon
Sheff Wed v Brentford
Stoke v Coventry - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3, BBC Radio Stoke & BBC Radio CWR
Bristol City v Watford (17:45) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Three Counties Radio
Cambridge United v Birmingham (17:45) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Grimsby v Weston (17:45)
Tottenham v Aston Villa (17:45) - BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio London
Charlton v Chelsea (20:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio London
Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated
Follow all of the action and reaction here
And find out how to follow the FA Cup across the BBC this weekend here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Middlesbrough" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Aston Villa", for instance.
Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds
I just wonder how much Wednesday night's epic game against Leeds will have taken out of Newcastle, who have got the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Manchester City coming up next week too.
There was also plenty of late drama in Bournemouth's win over Tottenham, but my concern with the Cherries is more about the effect of Antoine Semenyo's departure, because it appears he has played his last game for them.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe does not have a great record against his old club in the Premier League, where he has not got the better of them in seven attempts, but he did beat them in the Carabao Cup in 2022.
I was tempted to go for a Bournemouth win here, but I am not sure how many changes Andoni Iraola will make either.
The one thing I am sure of is that there will be a few goals flying in, because of the way both teams play. Let's go for another thriller, with a shootout to settle it.
Sutton's prediction: 3-3 aet, Newcastle win on penalties
Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesIt is easy to forget that Lewis Miley is still a teenager.
Remarkably, in last week's win against Crystal Palace, Miley completed all 59 of his passes - the highest number with a 100% success rate in a top-flight game this season.
Ben Dawson, who worked with Miley as Newcastle's first-team development coach, was among those watching on impressed at St James' Park.
"Lewis is Mr Consistent," he said. "He is level-headed. It's a mature period for someone so young but, emotionally, he manages himself really well.
"The technical and tactical side of the game almost takes care of itself because he's got that quality.
"He's always played in midfield but when you go to other positions, you can make it work if you have those attributes. He hasn't tried to do anything that's not him."
Yet what has been just as striking is how such a technical player has embraced the more gritty side of the game.
Miley has reclaimed possession on 55 occasions - more than any other teenager in the Premier League.
The midfielder has also won the most duels - 58 - of those players under the age of 20 in the top flight.
He has visibly filled out and even made the most of his 6ft 4in (1.93m) frame to score headers against both Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen last month.
Such growth has not gone unnoticed by performance coach Martin Nugent, who has worked with Miley throughout his formative years.
"He's starting to look like a man," he said.
Read the rest of Ciaran Kelly's analysis on the rise of Lewis Miley here
However, BBC Radio Newcastle's John Anderson says he would rest Miley against Bournemouth...
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Newcastle goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has called Kevin Keegan an "inspiration".
The 56-year-old offered his support to Keegan following the news of his cancer diagnosis this week.
Ex-England boss Keegan brought Hislop to the Magpies from Reading in 1995 and he played 73 times before joining West Ham in 1998.
Hislop revealed he was having his own treatment for prostate cancer last month.
"Kevin Keegan changed my life in so many ways, as a footballer, as someone who works towards bettering society," he told BBC Sport.
"He's been an inspiration and an example throughout so I can't speak highly enough of Kevin Keegan.
"I can't thank him enough for all the things he's done for me. Kevin has taken on life's biggest problems and mastered them with an incredible energy and personality about it that has brought others along with him.
"I understand this one is a very personal battle of his but I think he goes through this with the same energy, the same way about him that has made all of us fall in love with who he is as a person, more so than just a footballer or manager."
Hislop is co-founder and president of Show Racism the Red Card which he helped set up 30 years ago when he was at Newcastle, revealing Keegan's backing.
He added: "When I first approached Kevin about us going into schools and talking about diversity and racism and everything that comes with multiculturalism, he was fully supportive.
"He was the first to put his weight behind it. It's [Show Racism the Red Card] for managers in the game to understand what this game represents, what their club represents."
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Newcastle centre back Steve Howey says the Magpies must find more consistent form.
Eddie Howe's side took all three points from their seven-goal thriller against Leeds, but their performance was called into question by fans.
"Newcastle have got a team of genuine lads who want to do their best all the time," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle. "At this moment, they're just not going to be consistently consistent.
"Out of all the teams in the Premier League, there's only one team that's done that, and it's Arsenal.
"Have Man City done it? No. Have Liverpool done it? No. Chelsea? No. Man Utd? No. Tottenham? No.
"These clubs have spent an awful lot of money and they're the same.
"You've got to look at yourself, individually and as a team, and think 'how can we get better?'
"It's a big push from now until the end of the season. The league table looks a lot better than it did. But the consistency has got to come back."
Listen to Steve Howey and Matthew Raisbeck discuss the Leeds win on BBC Radio Newcastle
Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesEddie Howe looked a little relieved.
The Newcastle United head coach previously admitted it "did not look good" after Fabian Schar was taken to hospital following a tangle with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the incredible midweek win against Leeds United.
But the defender has not broken his ankle.
"We're confident at the moment he'll be back before the end of the season," Howe said on Friday.
It leaves Newcastle a little light, though, as they embark on a run of seven games in four competitions in the space of just 21 days.
Dan Burn is still a few weeks away from returning to action after suffering a broken rib and punctured lung last month.
So Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman are the club's only match fit senior centre-backs as a result.
No wonder Howe did not rule out dipping into the transfer market this month as Newcastle maintain a "watching brief".
Much will depend on how the squad handles the next run of games and Howe is assessing internal options first and foremost, such as using the versatile Lewis Miley in the heart of defence.
Newcastle have money to spend if required but any moves would have a knock-on effect on what the club can do this summer.
So it may yet be that it is more likely for a defender to leave the club this month than one coming in.
Club captain Jamaal Lascelles remains on the books, but the centre-back has not started a game since suffering a serious knee injury in March, 2024.
Howe said Lascelles "hasn't felt well enough to physically train" of late, and there is a chance he could depart following more than a decade at the club.
"Jamaal's been an incredible servant," Howe added. "He's a great leader for us behind the scenes. So, let's wait and see what happens on his future."
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Bournemouth at St James' Park (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Fabian Schar has ankle ligament damage but the injury it is "not as bad as it looked initially" when he was stretchered off against Crystal Palace. The defender "is seeing a specialist in the next few days to get answers."
Howe said "it is a huge blow" because they "have been stretched" all season in defence with Sven Botman and Dan Burn also suffering injuries.
The latter is "making good progress" and "will be very keen to push himself back" but Howe said Newcastle "have to be careful" that they don't rush him.
He said the FA Cup is "a magical competition" so they will "try and pick a strong team, while trusting the squad" to get through to the fourth round.
More on the timing of this FA Cup match: "Early rounds are the most difficult because they're surrounded by loads of other games. We want to progress and do well in every competition we are in, but it will be a tough game."
Howe said their current approach to this transfer window is "watch and breathe," but their upcoming fixtures "will have a bearing" on any business they decide to do.
On Lewis Miley, who has played in a variety of positions for Newcastle: "I see his long-term position in midfield, but we will use him wherever the team needs. He's happy to play wherever. He was outstanding [against Palace]. I was very impressed with him."
Defender Jamaal Lascelles is not currently training because "his body is not feeling great": "We hope that will change in the next few months. It is a possibility he could leave as well. Let's wait and see what will happen on his future."
Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Listen to live commentary of Newcastle vs Bournemouth on BBC Radio Newcastle and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 from 15:00 GMT on Saturday
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you where you think Newcastle will finish in the table this season.
Here are some of your comments:
Geoff: If we make a couple of signings in January, along with the players we have, then there's no reason why we can't end up in the top three of the Premier League.
John: Finishing fourth.
Peter: I think these past three results have been hard-fought and will prove to be vital in creating momentum and a platform to secure Champions League qualification again.
Andrew: We will definitely qualify for Europe, but which competition? Arsenal and Man City are guaranteed Champions League. Liverpool are doing better with Alexander Isak, so does that leave one Champions League spot? I think it will be ours!
Alex: If Newcastle could squeeze into fifth that would be massive given the points we have dropped against Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal, and losing to United despite dominating. It'll be tough to beat City over two legs (or win the Champions League obviously!) so qualification has to be a key goal.
Tom: I see the top four staying the same, but with uncertainty at Chelsea and Man United, I think Newcastle are best placed to finish fifth.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Newcastle defender John Anderson spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle after Wednesday's victory against Leeds United.
"We conceded three goals and that has to be a concern - but the one thing this side has is togetherness when things aren't going well. They keep digging in and battling away and they got their rewards in the end.
"When you look at how other results went [on Wednesday], this result is so big. Two weeks ago, people were complaining that we were in the bottom half of the table and we weren't going anywhere and all of a sudden we're up to sixth.
"This league is so up and down and everybody is capable of beating everybody else. It's so stretched in that middle section and that is why this result is absolutely massive."
Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds
Just how important is this victory for your season?
Where do you think the Magpies will finish?
