However, that is Newcastle’s only defeat in the last 10 matches and, while no-one on Tyneside is getting too carried away, Given is hoping for a big performance.

He said: “If you beat Chelsea, it gives you a better chance of winning the cup. I would rather play Chelsea here at home than play them at a neutral ground in a semi-final or final.

“It is a great chance for us. But Jose Mourinho wants to win every cup and they have got a big enough squad to play in six competitions. They will be coming up here to win.”

Having taken the Premiership by storm in recent seasons, Chelsea have an excellent record against Newcastle, who they will be meeting in a domestic cup competition for the fourth time in three campaigns.

However, they have not won at St James’ in their last three visits; Patrick Kluivert’s lone strike denied them a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2004-05 and Titus Bramble claimed Newcastle’s European place with the winner on the final day of last season either side of a 1-1 Premiership draw in May 2005.

Asked about his side’s good recent home record against the Blues, Given said: “We have but we do not want to go on about it too much.

“We were happy with a home draw. It could have been easier but if you are going to win the cup, you are going to have to beat the best teams and Chelsea are one of the best teams.

“We can take heart from last Wednesday’s game down at Stamford Bridge. We had a patched-up team and a few young lads playing, and we will take a lot of confidence from that game.

“It will not be an easy game, but we are at home and the atmosphere hear for a cup quarter-final should be special. I am looking forward to it.”

Manager Glenn Roeder could have Nolberto Solano and Emre back from injury, although left-back Celestine Babayaro is suspended.

However, he is ready to unleash Kieron Dyer at full throttle after being assured his problems are behind him.

Roeder said: “I had a good chat with Kieron last week and he has had enough football for us now to think he is fully-fit.

“Where last year I protected him quite a lot, sometimes playing him, sometimes resting him to make sure he did not break down, Kieron, myself and the medical team now believe, as long as he comes through the game he has just played, he will be up for selection for the next game.

“Without doubt, last year he could not have got through two games in in a week. He has come through the game against Watford on Saturday and I am sure Kieron Dyer has a major part to play tonight.”