"Shot to nothing for them" - Chris Sutton issues Birmingham City v Newcastle United FA Cup score prediction | OneFootball

Chris Sutton has issued his prediction ahead of Saturday evening's bumper FA Cup fourth round tie between Birmingham City and Newcastle United

BBC Sport columnist and former Blackburn Rovers Chris Sutton has previewed Saturday evening's bumper FA Cup fourth round clash between Birmingham City and Premier League high-flyers Newcastle United.

The two sides will meet tomorrow evening in a 17:45 (BST) kick-off at St Andrews @ Knighthead Park, where Blues will be looking to put on a show for the cameras and upset the odds against a side situated two divisions and 45 places above them in the English footballing ladder.

A run in the FA Cup would only further boost the palpable feel-good factor buzzing around the blue quarters of the Second City in recent times. Birmingham are currently top of League One with an eight point, two game advantage over third-placed Wrexham, while they also booked their place in the EFL Trophy semi-finals by beating off Stevenage on Tuesday evening.

But, of course, they will face a stiff challenge against Eddie Howe's side, who are in sixth place - just two points shy of UEFA Champions League qualification - and have enjoyed their own cup run this term, having progressed to their second EFL Cup final in just three seasons by beating Arsenal 4-0 across two legs.

Chris Sutton's Birmingham City v Newcastle United score prediction

Sutton believes that Birmingham, who will be backed by a bouyant home atmosphere, will not ensure an easy outing for the Magpies. However, he does predict Newcastle's quality to prevail, advising Howe against resting key players in a game which could prove a potential banana skin for the north east side.

"There were raucous scenes at St James' Park on Wednesday night after Newcastle had beaten Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals," wrote Sutton in his BBC Sport column.

"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 concluded by predicting a 2-1 defeat for Birmingham. The winner will be entered into the fifth round draw, which takes place on Monday evening.

Birmingham City's journey to the FA Cup fourth round

Having been relegated to League One from the Championship last season, Blues' FA Cup campaign commenced with a first round trip to fifth-tier side Sutton United all the way back in November, which they won 1-0 courtesy of a Willum Willumsson goal after 34 minutes.

In the second and third round, Blues faced off against fellow League One opposition in Blackpool and Lincoln City, winning both encounters by a score of 2-1.

It would be fair to say Newcastle will pose a fresh test, the kind of which they have not yet faced. It will be interesting to see how Birmingham match up to it, but they could well give the Magpies a real run for their money at the very least.