When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw? Ball numbers for Newcastle United, Liverpool, Chelsea & more

Newcastle United or Blackburn Rovers will be ball No.1 in the FA Cup quarter-final draw should they emerge victorious tonight.

Eddie Howe’s men travel to Championship opposition for the second time in three rounds when they take on Rovers. A 3-0 victory over bitter rivals Sunderland kick-started their FA Cup campaign before they coasted to a routine 2-0 win against Fulham last time out.

The Magpies are now overwhelming favourites to book their place in the quarter-finals - a feat that would put them one game away from another Wembley showdown. One of English football’s biggest controversies is how the semi-finals take place at the national stadium - but Newcastle fans will not mind given the scarcity of big days out for the Toon in recent years.

Howe knows beating Blackburn is a must to instil belief that Newcastle can enjoy a solid end to the season. Murmurs of discontent followed after the 4-1 hiding to Arsenal at the weekend, with the Magpies’ European hopes beginning to fade.

The FA Cup provides an alternative avenue for Europa League qualification - a competition they last qualified for in 2011-12. Toon supporters travelling to the match can take comfort in knowing their fate will be decided on the night.

FA Cup replays were scrapped from the fifth round onwards ahead of the 2018-19 campaign - meaning the game will go to extra time and penalties if level after 90 minutes. NewcastleWorld has profiled the ball numbers for the quarter-final draw, set to place on Wednesday from 7pm.

Ball 1: Blackburn Rovers or Newcastle United

Ball 2: Chelsea or Leeds United

Ball 3: AFC Bournemouth or Leicester City

Ball 4: Liverpool or Southampton

Ball 5: Nottingham Forest or Manchester United

Ball 6: Wolverhampton Wanderers or Brighton & Hove Albion

Ball 7: Coventry City or Maidstone United

Ball 8: Luton Town or Manchester City