Chris Sutton Predicts Birmingham City FA Cup Upset Over Leeds United
Former Birmingham City player turned pundit Chris Sutton has boldly predicted that Birmingham City will defeat Leeds United in this weekend's FA Cup fourth round tie. Sutton has backed manager Chris Davies to claim his first victory over a Premier League opponent as a manager in this highly anticipated match.
Birmingham's Impressive Form and Home Record
Birmingham City, known as the Blues, enter this fixture in formidable form, having remained unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions. Their home record under Chris Davies has been nothing short of exceptional, with just one defeat in forty league fixtures since the start of last season. This remarkable streak represents the best home record in England over that period, providing a solid foundation for their cup ambitions.
Leeds United's Premier League Challenge
Leeds United, managed by Daniel Farke, present a significant challenge as a very effective Premier League outfit. The team has continued to improve since winning the Championship with an impressive 100 points last season. In a recent midweek match, Leeds demonstrated their resilience by coming from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Chelsea. Currently, they hold a six-point buffer above the relegation zone, highlighting their competitive standing in the top flight.
Sutton's Analysis and Prediction
In his BBC column, Chris Sutton expressed his belief that an upset is on the cards. He noted, "Leeds' comeback from 2-0 down to draw at Chelsea was just extraordinary, but I can smell an upset here." Sutton anticipates that Leeds boss Daniel Farke will make some changes to his lineup, potentially prioritizing their upcoming Premier League game against Aston Villa. This strategic shift could give Birmingham City the upper hand in the cup tie.
Sutton further elaborated, "Birmingham are going well under Chris Davies and are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions. This seems like a good time for him to take a top-flight scalp." Should Birmingham secure a victory, it would mark a historic moment for Chris Davies, as he has yet to defeat a Premier League team as a manager, following narrow losses to Fulham and Newcastle United in previous cup competitions.
The FA Cup fourth round match between Birmingham City and Leeds United is scheduled for Sunday at 12pm, promising an exciting clash between two determined sides.
