Chris Sutton predicts the result of Birmingham City vs Newcastle United and issues Eddie Howe warning

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Chris Sutton wants Newcastle United to go full strength against Birmingham City in the FA Cup.

It has been an emotional week on Tyneside, as Newcastle United qualified for the Carabao Cup final.

Newcastle will face Liverpool at Wembley, as Eddie Howe aims to end the Magpies’ years of trophy hurt.

But there is also still the FA Cup to play for, with Newcastle United facing Birmingham City in the fourth round on Saturday.

It will be a very different occasion to the Arsenal game on Wednesday night. Newcastle are the away side, as they head to St Andrew’s to face the League One leaders.

Chris Sutton predicts Birmingham City vs Newcastle United

Newcastle United are understandably the favourites, while Howe will be toying with the idea of resting some of his best players. That feels likely, given their efforts against Arsenal and their continued quest to qualify for the Champions League.

But Chris Sutton wants Howe to pick a full strength side, as he predicts Birmingham City vs Newcastle United for BBC Sport.

“There were raucous scenes at St James’ Park on Wednesday night after Newcastle had beaten Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals,” he said.

“What a brilliant result over two legs against the Gunners, and why wouldn’t Magpies fans want more of the same in the FA Cup as well? They want to end their long wait for a trophy and they will head for St Andrew’s on a high.

“I do wonder if Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will rest one or two of his key men, because his side are going for a top four finish in the Premier League too. But if I were him I would not be resting anyone against a Birmingham side who are in fantastic form at the top of League One.

“I am a big fan of Birmingham boss Chris Davies, who spent time working with Brendan Rogers at a few clubs, including Celtic, but has stepped up as a manager himself. I always admire people who do that.

“Davies has signed a few players from north of the border for the Blues, and also spent more than £10m on Jay Stansfield from Fulham in August. That is a bit of clout for a League One club to have, but Birmingham wanted to go straight back up after being relegated last season, and it looks like it will pay off.

“This is a shot to nothing for them against Newcastle, and I think they will give them a good game – but I am going with Newcastle to come out on top.”

Sutton’s prediction: Birmingham City 1 Newcastle United 2

Sutton is wrong and Newcastle United should rotate

Howe should not name a completely new starting XI on Saturday. However, he should also make changes to the side that put so much into beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

The likes of Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali have played so much football in recent months, and this is decent opportunity for Howe to give them a rest.

He has the players to replace him. Lewis Miley can come into midfield, while Callum Wilson and Will Osula are options up front.

Geordie Boot Boys have predicted seven changes to the Newcastle United starting XI, with Howe likely to freshen up his side.

However, it must still be a strong side. Birmingham are doing well this season and have nothing to lose against the Magpies, while they have the advantage of being at home.

After the highs of Wednesday night, Eddie Howe and Newcastle United must ensure they do a professional job in the FA Cup fourth round and avoid an embarrassing exit from the competition.