Why Chris Sutton thinks Birmingham City will beat Leeds United in FA Cup clash - ‘I can smell an upset’ | OneFootball

Chris Sutton has backed Birmingham City to beat Leeds United in their FA Cup fourth round tie at St. Andrew's on Sunday.

Chris Sutton has backed Birmingham City to see off Leeds United in their FA Cup fourth round clash at St. Andrew’s on Sunday.

Blues go into the game against the Premier League side in good form, with their last defeat coming on New Year’s Day at Watford, and that form has put Chris Davies’ side firmly in the play-off hunt.

Therefore, the priority this season is undoubtedly the league, and Birmingham will believe that back-to-back promotions are possible - but a cup run on the side of that won't do any harm whatsoever, especially with the squad depth that the Midlands outfit possesses.

Chris Sutton tips Birmingham City to beat Leeds United

All attention for now is on the FA Cup this weekend, with Blues set to test themselves against top flight opposition.

Given the difference between the clubs, Leeds will start as favourites, and Daniel Farke’s men are in good form ahead of the trip to the Second City.

Yet, Blues will back themselves to give the Yorkshire outfit a scare, and pundit Sutton - who had a brief stint with the club in 2006 - told BBC Sport that he thinks they could emerge victorious, as he expects Farke to make changes to his best starting 11 for the contest.

“Leeds' comeback from 2-0 down to draw at Chelsea was just extraordinary, but I can smell an upset here," Sutton said.

"I am sure Leeds boss Daniel Farke will make some changes because he will have at least half an eye on the Premier League, and their next game against Aston Villa.

“Birmingham are going well under Chris Davies and are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions. This seems like a good time for him to take a top-flight scalp. 1-0.”

Birmingham City will want to keep their excellent home form going

This promises to be a very good game, which will no doubt be played in front of a passionate crowd - which is what the FA Cup is all about.

It would be no surprise if Farke did rotate, but that should still mean the likes of Joel Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and Dan James all start, and they are players who were key as Leeds won the Championship last season with 100 points.

So, no matter what XI is selected, it’s clear that they will have a good team, and it will be a test for Birmingham.

But, Blues were very impressive in a 3-2 defeat to Newcastle last season in what was an epic FA Cup game, and the gap to Leeds is closer than it was to the Magpies 12 months ago.

The Midlands side have only lost once on their own patch in the league this season, which follows an unbeaten home record in League One, so they aren’t used to losing at St. Andrew’s.

Therefore, it will be a tricky tie for Leeds to navigate, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Sutton’s prediction is spot on.