Chris Sutton issues Newcastle United warning as he thinks Birmingham City plan 'will pay off'

With Birmingham City facing a tough fourth round clash against in-form Newcastle, pundit and former City player Chris Sutton has given his prediction

Birmingham City are gearing up for an exciting FA Cup clash this weekend as Newcastle make the trip to St Andrew's to see two in-form teams battle it out.

City will have a mountain to climb if they hope to clinch a win against Newcastle who proved how deadly they can be in cup ties after a comfortable 2-0 win knocked out Arsenal in the league cup semi-final.

Former player, manager and now BBC pundit Chris Sutton has come out to give his prediction for tomorrow's tie and despite their two-league difference has predicted a close match.

Speaking to BBC Sports Sutton warned of Newcastle's thirst for silverware, 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."

Although the former Birmingham player was concerned Eddie Howe might choose to rest some of his key players given their busy match schedule he has warned this could be a mistake, "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.

"Birmingham wanted to go straight back up after being relegated last season, and it looks like it will pay off."

But with Birmingham surely focussed on the league and getting their place back in the Championship, Sutton believes it is a "shot to nothing" and predicted a narrow Newcastle 2-1 win.