Cherries [AFC Bournemouth] will have to gather all of their resources to field a competitive team against Magpies [Newcastle United] in this game. Their roster is affected by injury-caused issues. Magpies have been in good run of form over the festive season.

Macclesfield Town have earned a fantastoc FA Cup round of 64 draw against a well-established English Premier League football club Crystal Palace. Moss Rose Stadium will have a great atmosphere today. Eagles [Crystal Palace] held Aston Villa to a draw in their last game and are improving their run of form after a brief downhill skid.

Toffees [Everton] were held to a scored draw [1-1] by Wolverhampton Wanderers in a closely contested English Premier League game in the midweek. They didn't taste much success in the Christmas festive football season. Black Cats [Sunderland] are safe in the view of their pursuit to stay in English Premier next season at least at present. They can give a free hit to FA Cup game.

Consistent performances and good results have elevated Melbourne Victory to the seventh spot of Australian A League's point ladder. They have 17 points in their tally. Western Sydney Wanderers have 9 points. They have to do better to rise up the points ladder.

Shrewsbury Town FC are down at the twenty second spot of English League Two points table. They are involved in the salvation race. Wolverhampton Wanderers are in the same situation in English Premier League. But they have the luxury of home stadium Molineux and good run of form.

Auckland Aces are only undefeated in New Zealand Super Smash T20. They have won both completed games. A couple of their scheduled fixtures were washed out due to rain intervention. Canterbury Kings have won three of four games. They are the top-placed team in the standings. Canterbury Kings won the toss. They are going to bat first. Hagley Oval in Christchurch is the venue of this game.