[u]Man United v Newcastle, Wednesday 19:45, Sky Sports 2[/u]
These early round exchanges between the big clubs largely depend on the strengths of the second string and the crop of youngsters who are knocking on the first team door.
Arsenal's relative success in this competition is often down to the full-blooded endeavours of their inexperienced players looking to impress after finally being given the chance.
With this in mind, a third round date at Old Trafford is likely to be a severe test for Newcastle's injury-strewn squad against the might of Manchester United's resources.
There is no question that Newcastle will take this competition seriously as their quest to bring in a first domestic cup since 1955 demands, though the squad is still depleted by a host of defensive ailments.
Problems...