BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United – Is he on the money? | OneFootball

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of late Saturday afternoon at St Andrew’s.

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players looking to make it twelve wins in fourteen matches.

Which would see them through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

It is now Birmingham City who are up next for Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 8 February 2025:

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

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.

“Prediction: Birmingham 1 Newcastle 2”

So is the BBC Sport pundit on the money here?

It is all a balance.

Eddie Howe wanting to get through to the FA Cup fifth round BUT at the same time wanting to ensure he looks after his first choice players. Also a case of giving minutes to some squad players, so just how many changes will be made?

At least on paper, Birmingham away is a lot tougher than fourth tier Bromley at home.

Birmingham are effectively a Championship team with promotion all but guaranteed.

Maybe a case of like the last round, Eddie Howe finding a way to progress, but potentially needing some of his best players to come off the bench and ensure they do so.

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 8 February – Birmingham v Newcastle (5.45pm) BBC1 and BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

(Weekend of Saturday 1 March –  NUFC will play in FA Cup fifth round if getting past Birmingham)

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports