'I feel sick' - Newcastle United reaction as Magpies draw Sunderland in FA Cup third round

Newcastle United will play their first Tyne-Wear derby for EIGHT years after being drawn away to Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup.

In a season of astonishing cup draws for Eddie Howe's men, this perhaps tops the lot. The Magpies haven't faced Sunderland since a 1-1 draw at St James' Park in 2016. The last time they beat their local rivals was in August 2011 when Ryan Taylor's free-kick secured a 1-0 victory.

The fortunes of the two clubs have changed dramatically since the last meeting. United have been relegated to the Championship, won promotion back to the Premier League and qualified for the Champions League, and in the last two years been under new ownership.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have suffered back-to-back relegations to League One, where they spent four seasons before being promoted back to the Championship in 2022.

The fixture will take place at the Stadium of Light on the weekend of January 5 to January 7, 2024 - and Newcastle fans have reacted to the draw in their thousands on social media.

While there is plenty of excitement among the Geordie fanbase, there are a few nervy souls too.

"Already feel sick with nerves," said one fan, while another added:" No thank you. Hate derby games. Already not looking forward to this."

Another said: "This is gonna be CARNAGE". "Can’t believe that draw wowwww," said another.

Newcastle reached the Carabao Cup final last season and are in the quarter-final this campaign but their FA Cup record under Eddie Howe is very contrasting after being knocked out by League One opposition in the previous two seasons.

Cambridge United won 1-0 at St James' Park in 2022 before United lost 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday in January.

Howe's men have had little luck with cup draws this term. In the Champions League, they were drawn into the 'Group of Death' of AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

And the Carabao Cup, Newcastle have faced both Manchester clubs in City and United.