Rafa Benitez says he will ‘protect some players’ ahead of tonight’s FA Cup tie at Ewood Park.

Newcastle slipped in to the Premier League bottom three following defeat to Chelsea ahead of this weekend’s home game with fellow strugglers Cardiff City.

The league clash is likely to take priority for Benitez when it comes to his team selection, having made eight changes for the third round tie at St James’ Park.

That ended 1-1, which means the two sides will try again this evening with a fourth round tie with Watford awaiting the winners.

“It will be the same idea (as the first game),”Benitez said. “We will look to protect some players and provide some balance.

“It will be more or less the same problems with injuries.

“We will try to find the balance with those who played the other day and those who will give us fresh legs.”

Benitez was disappointed to see the first game end in a draw, meaning an extra match for his side in their battle against the drop.

But the Spaniard sees positives in progression through to round four.

“It’s important to win for confidence and morale, he told the Chronicle. “We must keep going, keep going - it’s a long season. We have games against teams we can compete with after January.”