MARK HUGHES has been told to turn his back on any confrontational cameos when Chelsea attempt to smash Newcastle United's aura of St James' Park invincibility in night's English FA Cup replay clash.

Boss Glenn Hoddle pinpoints Chelsea's current form rather than the possible absence of England trio Les Ferdinand, Robert Lee and Steve Howey as the reason why the third round return can prove unlucky 13 for the Geordies.

Striker Ferdinand, like Lee, is struggling with Achilles tendon trouble and it would be a real blow if the 23-goal marksman missed his first match since moving north for £6 million.

Dennis Wise and Hughes, who faces a five-match ban after being booked at Goodison and then sent off for an alleged stamp on David Unsworth, will both be banned for the fourth round at QPR should Chelsea win through.

Wise finally reached 21 points at Everton with his first caution since the end of October.

Ferdinand was the saviour that day after a poor clearance by goalkeeper Dmitri Kharine, who is kept out tomorrow tonight by a groin problem. And he bagged a brace in the league when Newcastle beat Hoddle's side earlier in the season - one of 12 straight league and cup triumphs at St James' Park this campaign.

Ankle-victim David Ginola, sent off in last week's dramatic League Cup quarter-final defeat at Arsenal, and Phillippe Albert (flu) will be fit and Chelsea are boosted by the inclusion of Ruud Gullit.