Callum Wilson returns as Eddie Howe tipped to make key Alexander Isak call for Birmingham clash

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It’s FA Cup day, and Eddie Howe faces crucial decisions ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to Birmingham City.

This fourth-round tie comes quickly after a high-intensity Carabao Cup semi-final at an emotional St James’ Park, making squad rotation inevitable.

The Magpies put in an exhausting shift on Wednesday night, securing a superb 2-0 victory that booked their return to Wembley.

Given the intensity of that performance, Howe has already acknowledged the need to rest some key players.

Newcastle will definitely be without Joelinton and Sven Botman. Joelinton is sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury, while Botman picked up his own knee issue during the Arsenal win.

Elsewhere, Nick Pope may return, and Kieran Trippier will hope to retain his spot in the starting XI.

But how should Howe set up his side? We asked our Chronicle Live team to share their ideal NUFC lineup.

Lee Ryder’s View

Howe must strike the right balance, as Birmingham City are no pushovers. They are currently unbeaten since November and will pose a challenge.

Nick Pope needs game time after missing the last two Premier League matches, so starting him makes sense.

This would also give him a chance to prove himself to the manager again. Emil Krafth seems like a natural starter, while midfield needs fresh legs.

Lewis Miley shone in the FA Cup third round against Bromley, assisting two goals and scoring a screamer at the Gallowgate End.

Will Osula also impressed that day, making him a top pick for this game. Matt Targett, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, and Callum Wilson should also get starts.

Predicted XI: Pope, Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Targett, Longstaff, Miley, Willock, Gordon, Osula, Wilson

Aaron Stokes’ View

Despite playing in League One, Birmingham City are dominating their division and possess players of Championship quality. Eddie Howe understands their threat and will make several changes accordingly.

A mix of players from the Arsenal victory and fresh faces seems likely, with about five or six changes on the cards.

Nick Pope should return in goal, while the backline could consist of Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, and Lewis Hall, even though Schar and Krafth are both right-footed.

In midfield, Sandro Tonali should play as the engine, with Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff alongside him.

Predicted XI: Pope, Trippier, Krafth, Schar, Hall, Tonali, Miley, Longstaff