'If I were him': Chris Sutton ponders whether Eddie Howe will rest key players as he predicts the score between BCFC and NUFC

After securing a spot in the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday night, Newcastle United are back in cup action on Saturday evening as they take on Birmingham City at St Andrews in the FA Cup, live on BBC One, Kick-off is at 5:45pm.

This will be a tricky one for Eddie Howe to navigate having just come through such a huge game on Wednesday.

Against League One opposition, Newcastle should be expected to win, but sometimes that expectation can be a curse. If Eddie Howe fields the same side as Wednesday night, there's easily the quality there to blow Birmingham off the park, but there's also the fear that the fatigue, which has been an issue this season, may be too much and mistakes will creep into their game.

It's all about balance when you're working with a paper-thin squad like Howe is, and whether he goes for full strength, or gives some youngsters a run out is a big call Eddie will have to make.

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Chris Sutton is expecting a close game between Birmingham and Newcastle

It's one that Chris Sutton wrestled with in his score prediction for the BBC, and despite the 39 position gap between the two sides, Sutton has gone with a close result.

"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.

"Sutton's prediction: 1-2"

Do we need to play a full-strength XI on Saturday?

I do hope Howe gives some of our stars a bit of a rest, but has them on the bench in case things go wrong.

Obviously, I'd love us to go all the way in the FA Cup too, but we should be beating League One opponents easily without relying on out top stars.

It's making me really have to think about the lineup prediction, and I don't like thinking.