MALCOLM Macdonald and Alan Shearer have more than a few things in common. Both have received adoration from the St James' Park faithful, both have graced the number nines of England and Newcastle, and both will be assured of "legend" status for years to come in Newcastle.

But they also share something which no doubt both would prefer not to.

Supermac and Super Al have appeared in two FA Cup Finals each and boast two loser's medals each.

Shearer's woe was in the 90s, but Macdonald found the era of glam rock and punk not to his taste.

Macdonald was a losing finalist in 1974 for Newcastle against Liverpool - a brace for Kevin Keegan in a 3-0 win - and again in 1978 for Arsenal against Ipswich - ironically the only time Bobby Robson has lifted a domestic trophy.

Yesterday he got his hands on the famous Cup for the first time, courtesy of the sponsors AXA, and he hopes to see Newcastle skipper Shearer follow his example in South Wales on May 4.

And the tie of the quarter-finals at St James' Park tonight just oozes with FA Cup pedigree.

Newcastle and Arsenal boast 13 wins between them and according to the bookmakers the team that triumphs is the best bet to go on and lift the trophy at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

But for Macdonald, who has graced the black and white of Newcastle and red of Arsenal with distinction, the FA Cup still remains the competition every player wants to win.

And Supermac believes Newcastle must stop the combined talents of Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp if they want to make sure of a semi-final spot.

"I believe Vieira is the best midfielder in Europe," said Macdonald, now one of the hosts on Century FM's Three Legends Show, alongside Eric Gates and Bernie Slaven.

"Newcastle will need all their experience up against him in the middle.

"They can't take the gamble of going in without that experience - Arsenal, and Vieira, are brilliant at sensing any inexperience and exploiting it.

"Added to that you have Bergkamp who has so much ability he can make things happen even when he is standing still."

The likely loss of Gary Speed and the cup-tied Jermaine Jenas is seen by many as crucial to that midfield battle but Macdonald believes Newcastle must not let that loss prey on their minds today.

"Arsenal were without seven or eight players last weekend and they dealt with it," added Macdonald.

"Newcastle are missing two or three players, and they must learn to deal with it."

MacDonald still has a foot in both camps, with fond memories of his time at the two clubs, but his heart and head tell him tonight will be Newcastle's turn to celebrate.

"It will be close, there's no doubt about that," he said.

"But the Newcastle players will have a weight taken off their shoulders, getting away from the week in, week out pressure of the league.

"It's a one-off and it will be down to who is the better equipped on the day.

"Last weekend, Newcastle had their good spells, but couldn't put the ball in the net, but this week it will be all down to who can turn it on for that ten minutes that count.

"I think Newcastle can edge it."

The two teams have met in the final three times, Newcastle leading their north London rivals on that count two to one.

The last time Newcastle managed to beat Arsenal in the competition was the year Queen Elizabeth was crowned - 1952.

That year Newcastle's overseas contingent consisted of the Chilean Robledo brothers, Ted and George, with George grabbing the only goal of the game.

Newcastle will be hoping their most gifted - and at the same time frustrating - current overseas player, Laurent Robert, can repeat that feat.

Macdonald is amongst the Frenchman's biggest fans, and feels that his skill more than makes up for any question marks over his commitment.

Macdonald last week called on Bobby Robson to utilise the pace of Robert to counter the loss of Craig Bellamy in attack, but Robson opted to play two out-and- out strikers.

He paired Shearer with Shola Ameobi against Arsenal before drafting in Carl Cort for his first start in ten months down at Anfield.

In both games Robert failed to impress, but Supermac was keen to defend the £10m signing from Paris St Germain who has been on the receiving end of criticism following his lacklustre performances.

"He has been a bit sloppy at times recently and that sloppiness has been passed on to one or two others," said MacDonald.

"But statistics show his goals and assists this season have accounted for 25 per cent of Newcastle's points.

"You can find fault in any player if you really go looking for it. People say he doesn't track back, but Newcastle have other players who can do that.

"What he has is an ability to open up defences. Newcastle fans look to him to do that.

"We have to match pace with pace and down at Arsenal he (Robert) went through the middle twice, earning a penalty and then scoring the third himself. He terrified them. Shearer is a brilliant thinker, and what he needs is pace around him."