Howe "under no illusions" of Emirates FA Cup clash

The Magpies, aiming to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to 16 matches, begin their road to Wembley this weekend at Hillsborough (kick-off 6pm GMT), targeting a seventh FA Cup title and bidding to end a 68-year wait for domestic silverware.

After exiting last year's competition at the first hurdle, following a 1-0 home defeat against League One side against Cambridge United, Howe is keen to distinguish any similar repeats this term ahead of facing Darren Moore's Owls, who currently occupy second spot in the English third tier and are unbeaten on home soil since September.

Here are the main points from the boss' pre-match media briefing at the club's Benton-based training ground on Friday morning:

On injury issues, including whether club record signing Alexander Isak will be available for the first time since sustaining a thigh injury in September...

"(There's) a few bumps and bruises after a very physical game (against Arsenal) but nothing that's standing out in my mind at the moment.

"I'm not clear because I don't want to put pressure on Alex. We'll introduce him at the right time. He's getting closer all the time and he has trained with the team so we're pleased with his progress. 

"Initially, he was hugely disappointed. There was a sense of real frustration because he wants to contribute and show his talents. He's in a much better place now because he's close and training. Whenever a footballer is back on the grass, in amongst his team-mates, your view is totally different."

On balancing the team's involvement in two cup competitions this season as well as managing a  busy Premier League schedule...

"We want that. I'd certainly take the fixtures and congested games that would bring. It's going to be down to me to try and get the balance right of how we prepare for this game and what team we pick.

"We want to win the game and go through. We have another cup game a couple of days later. It's a later kick-off so there's a lot to think about. I haven't fully, as I sit here now, made my mind up on what team I would pick. I'm going to assess training today and then make a decision."

On aiming to avoid another FA Cup upset at the hands of lower league opposition following last year's third round exit at the hands of Cambridge United at St. James' Park...

"The interesting thing from that game is we picked a very strong team and it goes to show these games are so difficult. People will make assessments on what team you pick but there's no guarantee to any game just by picking a set group of players that you'll win the match.

"I think the biggest thing for us is how we approach the game and the mentality of the group. Their motivation levels, professionalism and desire.

"This is going to be a very difficult game. I've watched Sheffield Wednesday a lot and they're a very good team who are having a great season. We're under no illusions this is a difficult task but made even more difficult if we're not in the right place ourselves."

On Elliot Anderson, who made his professional debut for his boyhood club during an Emirates FA Cup third round tie away at Arsenal in January 2021...

"He's valued by us. He's had a number of niggles the last couple of months which has prevented him from being involved more. 

"I'd like to say he's back to his best condition. He's got a valuable role to play for us between now and the rest of the season. I certainly won't be loaning him anywhere."

On the midfield coping with the physical workload in recent weeks...

"The physical exertion of our group shouldn't be underestimated. The players have to give a lot - certainly against Arsenal - and it was a tough game where we had spells in the second-half in which we didn't have a lot of the ball. 

"The midfield, in particular, epitomise that. It's an area we don't have great strength in depth at the moment, in terms of numbers, but those guys in a good place. There's no issues with any of them and they're enjoying playing, getting that rhythm that playing brings.

His experiences of the FA Cup, reaching the fourth round of the competition as a player in 2005 and the fifth as a manager in 2016...

"I didn't get to the latter stages (as a player) but I did score a couple of goals going way back! As a manager, the FA Cup has been difficult. During my time at Bournemouth, we were desperate to try and stay in the Premier League every year.

"We did want to do well in the cups but we never quite got the rhythm. Last year happened and we want to try and learn from that and makes sure we try and progress this year. There's no guarantees, though, and that's what makes the FA Cup so special."