CARETAKER boss Glenn Roeder accepts the whole country is writing off Newcastle United's chances of claiming a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

But Roeder, realistic while trying to retain a confident approach, feels the people that matter inside the Magpies' dressing room are optimistic that a surprise result may be in store at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Roeder was part of the Newcastle team in November 1986 that last won at Chelsea, since that day Newcastle have gone on to lose 11 matches and draw six of their visits.

The acting boss was also part of a Leyton Orient side that won a sixth round replay with the Blues in 1978, something he hopes will act as a good omen.

"It's only people in Newcastle and our players that genuinely believe we can get a result down there," said Roeder.

"Just because we've not won there for a long time it doesn't affect how we will get on against them on Wednesday, it has no bearing.

"Newcastle are possibly the neutral's favourites. There's something in the British mentality that backs the underdogs. At Orient we were the underdogs but we won the replay."

After carrying out his homework Roeder has come to realise that any team that has been successful against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea have achieved success by not playing the orthodox 4-4-2 formation.

So the former West Ham boss is looking at ways of tinkering with the system that had faired him well prior to the last two defeats to Manchester United and Liverpool.

Kieron Dyer could be involved from the start tonight and his selection is likely to mean Alan Shearer operates as a lone striker.

While Roeder, with Jean-Alain Boumsong suspended, must also change his defence. Stephen Carr and Craig Moore are in contention for a starting place. Chelsea have William Gallas banned.

"It's not hard to raise the players to play away against the best team in the country," said Roeder, who has left Spaniard Albert Luque behind again.

"You never know if it's a good time to play them, Chelsea's defeat to Fulham on Sunday won't make any difference.

"Going out of the Champions League really irritated them because that's the one they wanted.

"Fulham showed it's not impossible to beat them. I just see it as another game with a fantastic prize, it's the game no-one wanted we've had to accept it, we're looking forward to the trip."

Meanwhile, both Everton and Newcastle have moved to rubbish the suggestion yesterday that David Moyes had jumped to the top of the list to become the new manager on Tyneside.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said; "Bill Kenwright (Everton chairman) is one of my closest friends in football and I have phoned him to say that Newcastle United have not approached David Moyes, will not approach David Moyes, and wish him and Everton only the best of success."

Kenwright said: "I know David Moyes. I know Freddy Shepherd. The story is fabrication and total nonsense - it should be discounted immediately.