Newcastle United have suffered a major blip in form in recent weeks in the Championship, and after last weekend's surprise loss at Nottingham Forest, they need to start picking up wins again.

In a slightly surreal game at the Forest Ground, Newcastle came away 2-1 losers after seeing two players sent off before the first half had even ended.

So in a way, it's a good time for Birmingham to be playing the league leaders, who will be without Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett for the crunch tie at St James' Park.

But with such a strong, in-depth squad at his disposal, you can still see Rafa Benitez fielding a side that will be capable of picking up a win against the Bluenoses, who have been doing well themselves this campaign.

But here at the FLW, we think Newcastle United will have enough to beat Birmingham and here's the starting XI we think will do it.....

GK: Karl Darlow

Karl Darlow had his best game in a Newcastle United shirt against Forest, managing to save two penalties in the defeat.

He gave his side a massive chance of getting at least a point and he should stay between the sticks for the game against Birmingham.

RB: DeAndre Yedlin

Former Sunderland man DeAndre Yedlin is a constant presence at right-back for Newcastle these days and he's a fantastic option to have at this level.

He's a pacy customer and at this level, looks a class above at times.

CB: Jamaal Lascelles

Was a rather unhappy return to Nottingham Forest for Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles, as his side failed to win after a couple of sending offs last weekend.

It was his own goal that gifted the win to his former employers, and he'll be hoping for a better performance against Birmingham City this time out.

CB: Ciaran Clark

Former Aston Villa man Ciaran Clark will have added motivation to get a result this weekend as the Toon go up against Birmingham City.

He's come into the first-team in recent weeks and has looked pretty solid but after defeat to Blackburn and Nottingham, he'll be hoping his side can get a win against top-six Birmingham.

LB: Achraf Lazaar

Achraf Lazaar is still waiting for some first-team action for Newcastle United and Paul Dummett's sending off could be his way into the first-team, at least for the next couple of weeks.

He's a man with plenty of promise held in him after his time at Palermo, and it will be interesting to see if he is thrown into the action by Rafa Benitez this weekend.

CDM: Isaac Hayden

Former Arsenal youngster Isaac Hayden seems to be enjoying his time with Newcastle United after making the move north this summer.

He's a young man at the middle of the Rafa Benitez project at Newcastle, and he'll be a player they will hope keeps developing as they look to secure a place back in the Premier League.

CDM: Mo Diame

Mo Diame has had to bide his time for first-team action at times this campaign, despite playing well when he's been given the opportunity.

And with Jonjo Shelvey banned after his red card at Nottingham Forest, he could come back into the side for the game against Birmingham this weekend.

Adds plenty of muscle to the midfield against a burly Birmingham City unit.

LM: Matt Ritchie

Matt Ritchie has been a real star player as Newcastle United have stormed to the top of the Championship table.

His creativity, pass and set-piece ability have all been huge as the Toon look to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

And after leaving now-established top-flight outfit Bournemouth, he'll have a lot to prove if Newcastle do bounce straight back.

CAM: Yoan Gouffran

Yoan Gouffran is one of the few famous French players that were brought to the club during Alan Pardew's spell in charge at the club, and he's still doing well for the Toon under Rafa Benitez.

Whilst he's not playing as an out-and-out striker at St James' Park, he's done well wide or sitting behind Gayle or Mitrovic upfront.

RM: Christian Atsu

With a reshuffle expected following the red cards last weekend, Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu could be the man to start the game against Birmingham City.

Newcastle's ability to leave a player of his quality on the bench screams how much quality they have in their ranks and he'll be gunning for first-team action if he gets the nod.

ST: Dwight Gayle

He's the in-form striker in the Championship right now and you can't see Rafa Benitez dropping Dwight Gayle anytime soon.

He's done so well since leaving Crystal Palace and his 13 goals have been massive in Newcastle's success so far this season. He's quick, has excellent movement and knows where the net is.

If he's up for it, Birmingham could be in for a long afternoon.