Birmingham City have been one of the worst sides in the division over the past couple of months and title-chasing Newcastle United will really fancy their chances at St Andrew's this weekend.

Rafa Benitez and his men have been in good form recently, barring the 3-1 defeat to Fulham at St James’ this weekend, which the Spaniard will want to get over as quickly as possible.

It was one of the worst performances we’ve seen from Newcastle all season and if they even give under-fire Birmingham City the chance to get into the game this weekend, you can bet the struggling Blues will take it.

But with both sides now at opposite ends of the table, we’re expecting a comfortable Newcastle United win at St Andrews, which would help their battle with Brighton at the top-of-the-table.

So with that in mind, here’s the Newcastle United side we think will crush Birmingham City at St Andrew's this weekend…

GK: Karl Darlow

Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Karl Darlow has been in great form for Newcastle this season, but he’ll want to bounce back from conceding three against Fulham last time out.

But goal-shy Birmingham might prove to be a slightly easier task, especially if the defence infront him is as solid as we’ve seen them at times this season too.

RB: Vurnon Anita

With DeAndre Yedlin out, Vernon Anita has come back in at right-back and done a decent job for Rafa Benitez and his side.

The Dutchman is a versatile unit and can play in the middle-of-the-park too but expect him to be keeping the right-hand side solid, with the impressive Cheick Keita expected to be back for Birmingham.

CB: Ciaran Clark

It’ll be a good result for Ciaran Clark if Newcastle can get the win at St Andrews, naturally because of the Irishman’s links to former club Aston Villa.

But he’ll want to put a bad weekend behind him like the rest of the squad and keep things tight against Birmingham.

CB: Jamaal Lascelles

Many have tipped Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles for an England call-up in the coming months after the youngsters impressive performances for the Mapgies this season.

His development has been rapid at the heart of the Toon defence but he’s going to be in a physical encounter this weekend, with Clayton Donaldson back available for Blues and Lukas Jutkiewicz also expected to play some part in throughout the afternoon.

LB: Paul Dummett

Local lad Paul Dummett has been ever-present in Rafa Benitez’ side this campaign and it’s unlikely he’ll be dropped for the rest of the campaign if he keeps up his good form.

He’s kept competitors out of the side for whole year and will hope for a strong performance against a Blues side that is low on confidence.

CDM: Jack Colback

Former Sunderland man Jack Colback has endeared himself to the Toon faithful following his transfer from the Black Cats.

He’s a hard-working unit in the midfield who is there to break up play and generally make things difficult for the opposition.

CDM: Jonjo Shelvey

Arguably one of the “stars” of the squad this season, Jonjo Shelvey has a lot to prove after a serious disappointing display against Fulham.

In what was arguably his worst performance of the season, he’ll be looking to add more misery to Blues manager Gianfranco Zola’s reign in charge at St Andrews with a good display this weekend.

RM: Yoan Gouffran

Yoan Gouffran has had to settle for a place on the bench over the past couple of games as a result of Dwight Gayle returning to the first-team after injury.

But after Christian Atsu’s rather quiet display against Fulham, we’d like to see the Frenchman start on the wing, something he’s done more often than not this campaign.

CAM/CF: Daryl Murphy

Former Ipswich Town forward Daryl Murphy has been a lot more involved over the past few weeks and he’s impressed upfront, despite not often getting on the scoresheet.

Mo Diame has played in behind the striker on plenty of occasions this term but we’d like to see Rafa go out and attack this game, especially after the poor result against Fulham.

LM: Matt Ritchie

Another player who didn’t shower himself in justice last weekend was Matt Ritchie, who is normally one of Newcastle’s biggest players week-in, week-out.

But the former Bournemouth man had a real off day against the Cottagers, failing to provide anything from the wing.

Birmingham have been defensively poor for weeks now and he’ll fancy his chances of at least an assist, if not getting on the scoresheet against the Blues.

ST: Dwight Gayle

He’s finally back from injury and with Dwight Gayle leading the Newcastle line, the Magpies look a far more dangerous side going forward.

With all respect to the likes of Mitrovic and Perez, both of whom have done a job this campaign, Gayle’s pace and willingness to get at defenders really gives his side the extra edge, especially when the team are on the back-foot.

Betting on him getting on the scoresheet this weekend wouldn’t be a bad shout in the slightest.