Birmingham vs. Newcastle Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 8 February 2025 - bettingexpert

February’s FA Cup clash between Birmingham and Newcastle at St Andrew’s Knighthead Park promises to be an intriguing contest. Despite the odds favouring Newcastle at 1.46, the magic of the FA Cup means surprises are always possible.
Birmingham have shown resilience in recent weeks, remaining unbeaten in their last five games (WWWDW). Their solid defence, with three clean sheets in these matches, will be vital against a Newcastle side that has been inconsistent (WLWLW) but recently triumphed over Arsenal to reach the Carabao Cup final.
Key injuries for Newcastle, including Jamaal Lascelles and Harvey Barnes, might lead to squad rotations, making the recommended bet of "Both Teams to Score (Yes)" at 1.67 attractive. Both teams have witnessed high-scoring games recently, and with players like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in form, goals are expected.
The football gods may favour Newcastle, but Birmingham’s strong defensive record might result in a gripping, closely-fought encounter.

Birmingham vs Newcastle Prediction & Betting Tip

An exciting FA Cup clash is on the cards between Birmingham and Newcastle. With Newcastle experiencing peaks and valleys in recent performances, our recommended bet is "Both Teams to Score (Yes)" at odds of 1.67.

Birmingham vs Newcastle Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (Yes)	1.67

• Birmingham: The home side has seen both teams score in 67% of their recent matches.
• Newcastle: The Magpies have experienced both teams scoring in 100% of their games recently.
• Goals Galore: With Newcastle averaging 3.00 goals per match and Birmingham 1.67, a high-scoring encounter is likely.

Given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and consistent scoring records, the "Both Teams to Score" bet looks like a winner.

Birmingham vs Newcastle Odds

With the upcoming FA Cup tie between Birmingham and Newcastle, the odds tilt heavily in favour of the away team. Here’s a quick breakdown of the betting odds:

Birmingham vs Newcastle Betting Odds
Birmingham Win	5.89
Draw	4.73
Newcastle Win	1.46

Newcastle is the bookmakers’ favourite, and given their recent form and strength in squad depth, it’s not surprising to see short odds for the away win.

However, Birmingham’s resilience at home and their solid defensive record shouldn’t be underestimated. This clash could offer some surprising moments, especially if Birmingham manages to frustrate Newcastle early on.

Birmingham Team Analysis

Birmingham Recent Performance

Birmingham have been in decent form recently, showcasing resilience and tactical discipline.

Home team	Away team	Result
Stevenage	Birmingham	0-1 (Win)
Birmingham	Rotherham	2-1 (Win)
Huddersfield	Birmingham	0-1 (Win)
Wrexham	Birmingham	1-1 (Draw)
Birmingham	Exeter	1-0 (Win)

Birmingham’s recent results are quite impressive, considering they are not favourites in this matchup. With three clean sheets in their last five games and an average of 1.20 goals scored, they have shown solid defensive and offensive performance. Their ability to keep the scoreboard ticking, coupled with a sturdy backline, will be crucial as they aim to upset Newcastle in this FA Cup 4th round fixture.

Birmingham Key Players

Birmingham’s recent form and key players are set to be tested against a formidable Newcastle side. Their top scorer, Lyndon Dykes, has netted twice in this season’s FA Cup and will be crucial up front.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell, the team’s reliable goalkeeper, has managed three clean sheets in the last five games, showcasing consistent defensive capability.
Key players to watch:

• Lyndon Dykes: Top scorer with 2 goals
• Bailey Peacock-Farrell: Key for clean sheets
• Expected lineup for Birmingham:
  • Goalkeeper: Bailey Peacock-Farrell
  • Defenders: No data available
  • Midfielders: No data available
  • Forwards: No data available

These players will need to perform at their best to counter Newcastle’s strong offensive line, especially given Alexander Isak’s current form for the Magpies.

Birmingham Suspensions & Injuries

Birmingham City faces Newcastle United with no suspensions to report, providing them with a full roster concerning disciplinary issues. This is a significant advantage in maintaining their recent positive momentum.
There are also no injury concerns within the squad, ensuring that the head coach can field his strongest possible lineup without any limitations.
Birmingham’s clean bill of health gives them the best chance to compete effectively against Newcastle. With all players available for selection, the team will look to leverage this stability to continue their FA Cup journey.
Their strong defensive record and offensive capability will be crucial as they face a higher-ranked club in Newcastle.

Birmingham Tactics and Formation

Birmingham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Typically utilizes a 4-2-3-1 system.
• Key Forward: Lyndon Dykes, who has scored 2 goals in the tournament.
• Midfield Duo: Known to rotate but often rely on a holding pair to shield the defense.
• Defensive Strength: Boasts three clean sheets in their last five games, signaling solid backline stability.
• Notable Strategy: Focuses on building play through the middle and switching to the flanks, leveraging set-pieces for goal opportunities.
  This strategic approach, combined with their recent home resilience, will be pivotal as they aim to counter Newcastle’s attacking prowess and advance to the next FA Cup round.

Newcastle Team Analysis

Newcastle Recent Performance WLWLW

Newcastle have shown a mix of results in their last five matches, with three wins and two losses. This form indicates some inconsistency, but their strengths are undeniable. Averaging 2 goals per game in recent encounters, Newcastle’s attack is in good shape. Defensively, they’ve managed 2 clean sheets in five matches, reflecting a solid but not impenetrable backline.

Home team	Away team	Result
Newcastle	Arsenal	2-0 (Win)
Newcastle	Fulham	1-2 (Loss)
Southampton	Newcastle	1-3 (Win)
Newcastle	Bournemouth	1-4 (Loss)
Newcastle	Wolverhampton	3-0 (Win)

Newcastle’s offensive form, spearheaded by top scorer William Osula, will be crucial as they look to progress in the FA Cup. The upcoming match against Birmingham should be a thrilling challenge.

Newcastle Key Players

Expected lineup for Newcastle:

• Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
• Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schaer, Sven Botman, Daniel Burn, Lewis Hall
• Midfielders: Jacob Murphy, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon
• Attacker: Alexander Isak

Newcastle boasts a strong squad with notable key players. Alexander Isak, the top scorer, will be a primary threat for Birmingham. His duel against Birmingham’s defensive line will be pivotal.
Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield consistently dictates the tempo and links up play efficiently. Anthony Gordon’s attacking prowess and goal-scoring ability, as shown with his recent contributions, add an extra layer of offensive threat.
Defensively, Kieran Trippier’s experience and leadership will be essential against Birmingham’s attacking attempts. Keep an eye on these individuals as their performances could steer the match’s outcome.

Newcastle Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Jamaal Lascelles	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid February 2025
Harvey Barnes	Muscle injury	Mid February 2025
Joelinton	Knee injury	Late March 2025

Currently, Newcastle United has three players sidelined with injuries. Jamaal Lascelles and Harvey Barnes are both expected to return by mid-February, while Joelinton is out until late March.

These absences could impact Newcastle’s squad depth, especially in defense and midfield. Lascelles’ leadership at the back and Joelinton’s physical presence in the midfield will be missed. However, Newcastle has shown strong form recently and will look to mitigate these losses with their remaining squad depth.

Newcastle Tactics and Formation

Newcastle’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Alexander Isak
• Midfield Trio: Jacob Murphy, Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Exploiting wing play with Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon

Newcastle United primarily lines up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Alexander Isak leading the line. The midfield trio of Jacob Murphy, Bruno Guimarães, and Sandro Tonali provides a balanced mix of creativity and solidity.
Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon are critical to their flank play, often creating chances with their overlapping runs and crosses into the box.
Despite dealing with injuries, Newcastle has maintained a solid defensive setup, achieving two clean sheets in their last five games. This tactical approach should provide a balanced yet potent game plan against Birmingham.

Birmingham vs Newcastle Head-to-Head Statistics

If we look back at the recent history between Birmingham and Newcastle, it’s clear that Newcastle has had the upper hand. The clubs have faced off five times since December 2016, with Newcastle claiming three victories and two draws. Here’s a quick glance at their last five meetings:

Home	Away	Result
Birmingham City	Newcastle United	0-0
Newcastle United	Birmingham City	3-1
Birmingham City	Newcastle United	1-1
Newcastle United	Birmingham City	4-0
Newcastle United	Birmingham City	2-1

Newcastle’s ability to score consistently against Birmingham has been a key factor in their success, and with their current form, they are expected to be the dominant side again.
Additionally, Birmingham will be keen to break their winless streak against Newcastle, adding an extra layer of motivation for their squad.

Odds accurate as of 07 February 2025 08:19, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.