Managerless Newcastle prepare for Stoke replay

Newcastle players have to distance themselves from speculation about the identity of their next manager and keep their focus firmly on tomorrow's FA Cup replay with Stoke City.

The club's only chance of a trophy depends on them getting past the Championship side after their 0-0 draw in the original game, with the winners earning a fourth-round trip to Arsenal.

"Of course, the Manchester United game was disappointing but it was always going to be difficult given everything which has happened this week," caretaker manager Nigel Pearson said in the wake of Saturday's 6-0 thrashing.

"It hurt our professional pride but we have a huge game against Stoke and we have to make sure we pick the players up."

By the time Stoke arrive at St James' Park, Pearson may be back in his tracksuit or gone altogether, as Newcastle owner Mike Ashley sets about putting his own man in place following last week's departure of Sam Allardyce.

Ashley, who bought the club at the start of the season, dreams of a return to the Kevin Keegan era of the mid-90s, when Newcastle United were a hugely entertaining attacking force who twice missed out to Manchester United in the battle for the Premier League title.

Their second-half collapse at Old Trafford shows what a gulf there is between the two Uniteds these days, however, and if Newcastle are again to become serious challengers then the owner will have to give the new man time.

Stoke are relishing the replay after being unlucky not to win at the first attempt.

"It's not a chance to relax but it is a chance to enjoy the game," said midfielder Rory Delap.

Newcastle will be without Alan Smith, who is suspended after being sent off for dissent after Manchester United's sixth goal, and Nicky Butt, also banned.

The pick of today's replays is at Anfield where Liverpool face Luton Town with the winners to play either Havant and Waterlooville, the last remaining minor-league club, or Swansea City, who meet on the south coast tomorrow.

Reading face Tottenham today for the right to visit Man. United in the fourth round, while Man. City host West Ham in another all-Premier replay tomorrow.