Birmingham City host Newcastle United in the fourth round of the FA Cup tonight with the League One leaders looking to cause an upset and advance into the next round.
Chris Davies’ side are four points clear at the top of the third division with two games in hand meaning there is a bit of breathing room to focus on progressing through the cup in what would be a be shock result should they defeat the Magpies today.
Newcastle are riding high after a 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup during the week which saw Eddie Howe’s team book their place in a second League Cup final in three years. Changes are expected from the Newcastle boss but with a break between this match and the next Premier League fixture Howe can focus his attention on another cup competition as the club seek to end their 70-year trophy drought.
Follow all the FA Cup action with our live blog below:
Birmingham 1-0 Newcastle
4 mins: It’s been a frantic start at St. Andrews.
Birmingham get another set-piece opportunity and whip in a second inviting delivery of the game so far, this time it’s cleared by Newcastle.
When you want to cause an upset, that’s how you kick things off.
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:52
GOAL! Birmingham 1-0 Newcastle
1 min: GOAL! AND THEY’VE ONLY SCORED FROM THAT CORNER!
Former Man United prospect Ethan Laird smashes past Pope from close range, with a big deflection off Callum Wilson helping it on its way.
What a noise. What a start.
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:48
KICK-OFF! Birmingham 0-0 Newcastle
1 min: KICK-OFF! We’re underway at St. Andrews.
Within 20 seconds, Birmingham have a corner.
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:47
Here come the players
Both sets of players are making their way out to an electric St. Andrews atmosphere, on a gloomy late afternoon.
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:44
Jay Stansfield speaks on his record transfer fee
Jay Stansfield’s arrival in League One broke all the norms the division had previously known, with his £12m transfer fee obliterating the previous record for an acquisition.
Even the player himself knows how crazy it was for Birmingham to shell out that much cash.
“I wouldn’t say I feel under pressure,” Stansfield told BBC Sport.
“I think it’s a crazy fee to be honest and it’s privileged to have that fee on my back and I can’t thank club for having faith and backing me to be a player of that quality.”
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:41
Kick-off fast approaching
We’re less than 10 minutes out from kick-off as Birmingham look to cause one of the upsets of the weekend against their Premier League visitors.
The Blues are flying this season, currently four points atop League One with two games in hand, and will aim to elevate their season even further with a major Premier League scalp.
St. Andrews is going to be absolutely bouncing. Follow all the action, right here.
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:35
When is the FA Cup fifth round draw?
Birmingham and Newcastle will be vying for a place in the fifth round as both teams look to keep their FA Cup dreams alive.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fifth round draw:
When is the draw?
The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup will take place on Monday, 10 February at 7.10pm.
How can I watch the draw?
The draw will be broadcasted live on BBC One. Subscribers can also watch online via BBC iPlayer.
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:20
Results from across the fourth round today
Here are all the results from today’s fourth round ties.
Leyton Orient 1-2 Manchester City
Coventry City 1-4 Ipswich Town
Leeds United 0-2 Millwall
Wigan Athletic 1-2 Fulham
Ongoing after going to extra time:
Preston North End 0-0 Wycombe Wanderers
Stoke City 3-3 Cardiff City
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:14
Birmingham looking to end 18-year wait for win over Newcastle
Birmingham fans haven’t had much joy against the Magpies in years gone by.
They have won just one of their last 15 meetings with Newcastle in all competitions (D7 L7) – which happened to be a 5-1 away win in an FA Cup third round replay in 2007.
They’re back up against each other in the same competition – can they end their winless run tonight?
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:10
Newcastle’s near misses: The six times glory slipped by since last major trophy
The Magpies completed a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Gunners at St James’ Park on Wednesday and will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday, March 16.
Here is a look at Newcastle’s near misses on home soil since winning the FA Cup in 1955.
Will Castle8 February 2025 17:05
