Pope & Osula start in 9 changes - Predicted Newcastle team vs Birmingham City

Newcastle are back in cup action later on today, taking on Birmingham City at St Andrews for a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Our place at Wembley's Carabao Cup final was booked on Wednesday night, but the task now is to refocus ahead of our trip to League One's top side who've lost just once in their last 16 at home.

Eddie Howe has already hinted at rotation due to the physical and mental demands on many of those involved in Wednesday night’s game. Mixing it up feels necessary, especially with three tough Premier League games on the horizon against Man City, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

Big changes at Birmingham?

(4-3-3): Pope – Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Targett – Longstaff, Miley, Willock – Osula, Wilson, Murphy.

I expect a fit-again Pope to start in goal after Dubravka picked up a slight knock on Wednesday night, although I think the former Burnley stopper would've come in regardless.

Livramento should return at right-back, Krafth could hand one of our centre-backs a rest and Targett will likely come in to give Hall a well-earned rest at left-back. I'd go for Burn over Schar to give us additional height.

In midfield, changing it up completely is probably unlike Howe and I won't be shocked if Bruno does start, but Longstaff, Miley and Willock all missed out on Wednesday in Joelinton’s absence due to the back five. If Howe wants to protect both Bruno and Tonali, this could be our midfield three.

In attack, Almiron’s sale and Barnes’ continued absence through injury means we’re light on options, but it sounds like Wilson will start and it’s also a big chance for Osula to impress after his brilliant strike against Bromley. Howe has hinted previously that the Dane can play down the right, and he may be our only option to give one of Murphy or Gordon a rest.