While the cup is a priority, will Steve Bruce have one eye on Tuesday night’s top flight trip to winless in 17 Sheffield United – or will he go for broke in North London? Here’s the XI our writer Liam Kennedy would pick tonight (kick-off 5.30pm)...
1. Martin Dubravka
He's BACK! The Slovak gets the nod in goal after a long-term injury. It would take a remarkable performance, and likely lengthy cup run to dethrone Karl Darlow in the Premier League, mind. Photo: Stu Forster
2. Javier Manquillo
For me, you can toss a coin on deciding whether the Spaniard or DeAndre Yedlin are a better fit at right wing-back, and with the USA international in possession of the slot in the top flight, I'd switch it around for the cup. Photo: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS
3. Emil Krafth
The Swede has done little to impress in black and white but with defenders in need of rest, I'd stick him in to play a central role, of which he seems slightly better suited, in a back three. Whether Steve Bruce sticks with this formation is another thing altogether. Photo: OWEN HUMPHREYS
4. Ciaran Clark
My skipper for the day. A tough call between him, Fede Fernandez and Fabian Schar, but due to the latter two's struggles with COVID-19 in the not too distant past, I'd give them a break. Photo: Clive Brunskill