Writing in his prediction column for Sky Sports, David Prutton has confirmed he expects Newcastle United to maintain their place at the top of the Sky Bet Championship, by recording a victory over Birmingham City on Saturday.

Prutton is expecting Rafa Benitez’s side to bounce back from last week’s disappointing defeat to Fulham and record a 2-0 victory, adding to the pressure on Gianfranco Zola.

Despite picking up just one point from their last two outings, Prutton does not believe Saturday’s clash will be an occasion Benitez’s side will struggle, he said: “Newcastle have slipped up at times over the season but this doesn't feel like another game where they drop points.”

If Benitez’s side can record a victory over Birmingham, it will see them open up a three-point lead of Brighton and Hove Albion, who face Leeds United in the Saturday evening kick-off.

Zola is looking for just his third victory since taking charge of Birmingham, after suffering a disastrous start to life in the second city.

The Italian has taken the Blues from the brink of the Play-Offs to 17th in the Championship, where they sit just six points above the relegation zone.

Newcastle and Birmingham fans… What do you make of Prutton’s prediction? Give us your prediction in the comments!