But the Birmingham boss has promised to name a "strong team" for the 3pm kick-off at St. Andrew's as the Blues look to make amends for their 4-0 league defeat at St. James' Park last month.

Midfielder Jacques Maghoma is away on international duty with the DR Congo and forward Clayton Donaldson has a calf injury, while defender Michael Morrison and goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak could both be rested.

And former Chelsea star Zola told his club's official website: "I will have to make some changes tomorrow but some of them they’re really because some of the players have physical issues.

"They’re not serious issues, but we don’t want to risk anything. From my point of view it will be a strong team."

He added: "It will give me an opportunity to see some of the players that I haven’t seen play yet.

"But it will be a strong team for sure. We are not underestimating the importance of (Saturday's) game."

Four weeks ago, Dwight Gayle hit a hat-trick while Yoan Gouffran was also on target for Newcastle against the Blues, who were then managed by Gary Rowett.

And Zola admitted: "I hope they will come here thinking that it will be an easy game - but I’m afraid that it will not happen because I know (Rafa) Benitez. "The players will be aware as well that they lost so heavily and they will want to make up for it."