Birmingham City Away Preview - Reasons For Optimism?

This weekend would usually be one filled with a lot of pessimism. Newcastle go into the game having been beaten 1-0 by Blackburn in their last game  and the FA Cup is not a competition that we can say that we have excelled in of late, in fact we have been something of a disaster in the competition.

However, I can't help but feel optimistic. Despite struggling lately, we still appear to be heading for promotion back to the Premier League, with a world class manager at the helm. In this manager, we also appear to have a man who values cup competitions.

Throughout his career, Rafa Benitez has produced many great and some legendary, cup moments and victories. So I find myself hoping that he will be capable of overseeing a victory away to Birmingham, albeit a very difficult game.

With Birmingham not doing as well without Gary Rowett, it could be argued that it is a good time to play them. Although the same could be said about us.