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Magpies drawn at home to Blackburn
Written by Dan King
Newcastle United will face Blackburn Rovers at St. James' Park in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The draw was made on Monday evening by former Magpies manager Ruud Gullit - who took Newcastle to the final in 1999 - and ex-England international Paul Ince.
Newcastle faced Blackburn on Tyneside at the same stage in 2011/12, with Hatem Ben Arfa scoring a memorable solo goal.
In total, the sides have met 11 times in the competition (including replays), with Newcastle winning six and losing just twice.
Most famously, United beat Rovers after a replay at the semi-final stage in 1951/52, before defeating Arsenal in the final.
The game could mean a return to St. James' Park for Adam Armstrong, who joined the Lancashire club in the summer following a successful loan spell last term. The England under-21 international - a product of the club's Little Benton Academy - made 21 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions.
Third round ties are set to be played over the weekend of Saturday, 5th January 2019.
United were handed a home tie against Luton Town at the third round stage last term, beating the then-League Two side 3-1 before exiting the competition at the hands of eventual cup winners Chelsea.