KARL Robinson thinks the Kassam Stadium’s open end could assist Oxford United’s chances of springing a surprise tonight.

Newcastle United visit in an Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay at a venue where they lost 3-0 in 2017.

There are few survivors from that line-up still on Tyneside and while the lack of a fourth stand is normally a problem, Robinson believes it could put the Premier League outfit off their stride.

The head coach said: “I always say with this place that those three stands don’t half throw people when they first come here.

“They won’t be used to anything like this and we’re hoping it works in our favour.

“We’re really excited about the tie and we just hope we can put a performance on.”

United will rest top scorer James Henry as Robinson admitted they would pick a team with one eye on Saturday’s league trip to Peterborough United.

Jamie Hanson is in the frame to start at right back, but Matty Taylor is expected to again be on the bench.

Toon boss Steve Bruce warned his side to beware an upset, but acknowledged the sale of Shandon Baptiste and Tariqe Fosu helped.

He said: “They’ve lost two of their players, so that’ll hinder them I’m sure, but they’re a good side.”

“It’s got all the classics of the FA Cup and what it is – (it’s) live on the TV and they’ll want the underdogs to turn us over.

“We have to be wary of that.”

The visitors’ injury list still includes Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle.

Danny Rose and Valentino Lozaro are ineligible, having signed after the initial tie.

Elsewhere, two Oxfordshire sides are in BetVictor Southern League Division 1 Central action.

Thame United host AFC Dunstable, while North Leigh visit Biggleswade.