Newcastle United confirmed this afternoon on their website that their Third Round FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace will be played on Saturday 5 January, kick off 3.00 p.m. at St. James' Park.

There was some doubt whether the game could go ahead on the Saturday, as local rivals Sunderland were also drawn at home to West Brom.

However the club have been given clearance and the game goes ahead on the traditional third round day. Newcastle have a great record against Crystal Palace in the cup, beating them 4 out of 5 meetings. The last came in 1999, on the way to the Magpies reaching the final.