Following the draws for the Second and Third Rounds of the Carabao Cup, which took place during the afternoon of Sunday 6th September, Rovers were offered an away tie against Premier League side, Newcastle United, with the winner moving on to face either Morecambe or Oldham Athletic on either 22nd or 23rd September, in the Third Round.
The clash is set to take place at St James’ Park, between the 15th and 16th of September, with a confirmed date to be set in the near future, along with potential streaming information for fans, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rovers and the Geordies have been no strangers to each other over the past couple of years, with Newcastle getting the better of their future visitors during their last meeting which came in the 2018-2019 FA Cup Third Round, where Rovers, after holding the Toon to a credible 1-1 away draw – courtesy of a Bradley Dack header – fell to an eventual home defeat, after extra-time, in the replay by a 4-2 scoreline. Although Newcastle got the better of Rovers, in that encounter, their last 10 encounters – dating back to the 2010-11 Premier League – are even in terms of wins, at four each, alongside two draws. This recent history does offer Rovers some positivity in terms of having a positive outlook on the game.
The pair’s last meeting in this competition was back in October 2011, in the Fourth Round, where a thrilling encounter saw Rovers come out on top, at Ewood Park, by a 4-3 scoreline, which also saw extra-time involved.
Whilst both teams are aware of what their future hold in terms of the Third Round, it is presumed that neither side, given this season’s hectic schedule, will put this competition at the top of their priority list. Given that Newcastle United, under Steve Bruce, will more than likely be fighting for their Premier League lives, and Rovers will be looking to push for the playoff spots, it is expected that this tie won’t bring the fireworks that the 2019 encounters brought.
