The Magpies head to Craven Cottage looking to progress in the competition, having already despatched local rivals Sunderland 3-0 in the third round earlier this month.

United will now travel to the capital to take on Marco Silva's men in what will be their first outing for two weeks, with the brief mid-season break from Premier League action having offered them some time to regroup.

They will have to face the Cottagers without the services of Joelinton, though, after the Brazilian international was ruled out until May after undergoing thigh surgery - but Howe revealed that Jacob Murphy was nearing a return to action after his own injury problems.

Here are some of the main talking points that were covered at Howe's pre-match media briefing on Friday morning:

On what he wants to see from his Newcastle side this weekend...

"We are hopeful you will see a very energetic performance, and a very technical one, because we have put a lot of work into that.

"We are determined to do well. I believe in this team."

On United's desire to progress in the FA Cup...

"It is a big moment in our season, as the Sunderland game was, and the lads really responded to that challenge. This is an important competition for us now, it takes on a new dynamic because of what's gone before.

"We are desperate to get our best form back - I think there was signs of that against Sunderland and Manchester City - so we'll take this game very seriously."

On the Magpies' injury and availability news...

"It's still a long injury list. Jacob Murphy has trained and he has looked good, so I'm pleased with his progress. That is a big positive.

"Apart from that, no-one else is there - they're all still working back to full fitness, but they are getting closer. The likes of Harvey (Barnes), Callum (Wilson) and Joe Willock are showing good signs."

On the break from action over the last fortnight...

"I think we've had some really good training. I've enjoyed seeing the players perform these last couple of weeks - I think it's been really healthy for us. They're in good spirits, despite a lot of off-the-field stuff, and we're very focused on the match."

On Silva's Fulham side...

"It's a tough game - you look at the game against Liverpool they had a coupel of days ago and that was a really good game, a high-quality game. I thought Fulham were close - they created a number of chances and I thought were pretty good in the game.

"Marco has done a brilliant job. I think they continue to improve and grow, which is always very difficult in the league that we're in, so we know it'll be a tough game."

On Joelinton, whose surgery was successful this week...

"It's a massive blow for us. We knew when he did the injury it wasn't good.

"It is a massive blow for us - he brings a different dynamic to our midfield. He will be a big miss, but we are going to have to do without."