Former Blackburn Rovers star explains why Newcastle United 'really need' FA Cup win as he predicts victory

Newcastle United must come through their FA Cup tie at Blackburn Rovers to 'recover a bit of faith' with Magpies supporters.

That was the verdict of BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton as he assessed his former club's Ewood Park clash with Eddie Howe's side. The Magpies are favourites to come through Tuesday night's tie to secure a place in the last eight of the competition and ensure their bid to end the club's long wait for silverware remains alive.

The FA Cup run also presents Newcastle's last chance of claiming success from a season that has provided contrasting emotions as remarkable wins over the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Manchester United sit alongside poor displays in defeats against Luton Town, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

Saturday's 4-1 defeat at title contenders Arsenal means United will travel to Blackburn looking to move on from what a demoralising night at the Emirates Stadium - and former Premier League winner Sutton has insisted the Magpies must come through the tie against his old club.

He told the BBC Sport website: "I scored in an FA Cup tie for Blackburn against Newcastle a few years ago - it was a wonderful finish, but we ended up losing in a replay, and I can see the Magpies getting through this time too. Blackburn drew at the weekend in the 'Chris Sutton derby' against my first club, Norwich, but they are yet to win in four games under new manager John Eustace, and I don't see him getting a first victory here.

"Newcastle boss Eddie Howe really needs the FA Cup now, to recover a bit of faith with the fans after some disappointing results, including their heavy defeat by Arsenal on Saturday.

"Howe's side should win, because they have got the superior players and I actually feel as if they will run away with this one a little bit."