Birmingham

Birmingham City V Aston Villa

Sunday, 16th January – 12:00 (GMT)
Venue: St Andrews
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

Birmingham City

You have to wonder just how much of a distraction will Birmingham’s Carling Cup commitments be on their immediate plans to avoid the drop. The Blues, who are just a point above the relegation and in danger of enduring another spell inside the bottom three should the succumb to defeat at the weekend, have the alluring sight of Wembley on their minds but know they must overturn a 2-1 deficit if they’re to book their rightful place in that final next month. However, securing their Premiership status should be of utmost importance for Alex McLeish, whom named his strongest possible eleven as his side were beaten at Upton Park during the week.

With Birmingham still going in all competitions, there is rarely a moments rest bite for Alec McLeish’s charges. A resounding 4-1 win over Millwall at The Den in the third-round of the FA Cup last Saturday meant they progressed into the fourth-round, although Tuesday’s Carling Cup semi-final defeat at West Ham means McLeish has to name a similarly strong team in the second leg. Sooner or later, fatigue will creep up on them, and in a derby encounter they’ve now gone seven top-flight meetings without winning, perhaps Birmingham’s hectic schedule will be enough to put many punters off them this weekend against a Villa side who have won on their previous three league visits to St Andrews.

Following Tuesday’s setback in the Carling Cup, a competition Birmingham have now set their sights firmly on winning, the fans were in need of a lift and McLeish may well have remedied that situation. David Bentley has joined on loan until the end of the season from Tottenham Hotspur, a player with an exceptional delivery on him and someone who will bolster a pretty ordinary midfield with some much need creativity. Just as well really as Birmingham have struggled to carve our opportunities all season, but with Alex Hleb working his magic on the opposite flank, Cameron Jerome and Nikola Zigic should have more to contend with up front than previously.

We all know just how well Birmingham can defend in matches, their Achilles heel has been their lack of potency up front. To plunder just ten goals on home soil is pretty pathetic. In fact, Birmingham haven’t surpassed the one-goal marker in any of their previous four clashes at home, while the 0-0 draw they grounded out back at Villa Park took their barren spell in front of goal against the Villains to over three-and-a-half hours without scoring in a Second City derby. Will David Bentley prove the solution to their scoring problems?

Aston Villa

It’s about time a club stuck to their guns and kept faith in a manager they appointed even through the bad spells in a relationship. And if this was a relationship, the two parties would be have filed for divorce way before now, with Houllier’s honeymoon period at the club not lasting long whatsoever. In fact, since guiding Villa to successive wins immediately on the back of his appointment, his charges have gone on to register a miserly two wins in the Premier League, and subsequently slide down the league where they now find themselves occupying one of three relegation spots.

Gerard Houllier is pinning his hopes on one of two factors injecting some much needed optimism into his demoralised ranks. The first being their 3-1 victory over Sheffield United in the third-round of the FA Cup last weekend, a win which was tarnished courtesy of Ashley Young’s red card meaning he’ll sit out Sunday’s Second City derby with Birmingham City, and the imminent signing of French international Jean Makoun, with Aston Villa agreeing a £5million fee with Lyon for the industrious midfielder. Houllier has often relied on the exuberance of youth providing some steel in the midfield, but in Makoun they’ll have a tireless worker with an abundance of experience.

Villa have an impressive head-to-head record with their Midland rivals and it’s down to Gerard Houllier to inspire the Villa dressing room as relinquishing their mental stranglehold over Birmingham really would be a damaging blow, and also another new low for a club and it’s supporters who aren’t used to tasting so many defeats. The 0-0 stalemate back at Villa Park was a disappointing outcome for Villa but it did at least stretch their unbeaten run in the Second City derby to seven matches, although that doesn’t include competitions outside of the Premier League, which is just as well as Birmingham would then have the edge, after the Blues were victorious when the two sides clashed at St Andrews in a recent Carling Cup encounter.

Based on the head-to-head alone, Villa appear an outstanding bet on paper. However, their form overall has been drastic to say the least. Their 3-1 win away at Sheffield United last weekend helped eased some of the intense pressure which had surrounding Houllier following a wretched string of results. Just one win from their last eight league matches simply isn’t good enough, and to see that six of those were defeats is appalling. There have been reports of dressing room disharmony and the results under Houllier reflect this.

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Last 5 Results

Birmingham City

Carling Cup: West Ham 2-1 Birmingham City
FA Cup: Millwall 1-4 Birmingham City
Premier League: Blackpool 1-2 Birmingham City
Premier League: Birmingham City 0-3 Arsenal
Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Manchester United

Aston Villa

FA Cup: Sheffield United 1-3 Aston Villa
Premier League: Aston Villa 0-1 Sunderland
Premier League: Chelsea 3-3 Aston Villa
Premier League: Manchester City 4-0 Aston Villa
Premier League: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

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Premier League Head-to-Head (Last 5 Seasons)

2010/2011: Aston Villa 0-0 Birmingham City

2009/2010: Aston Villa 1-0 Birmingham City
2009/2010: Birmingham City 0-1 Aston Villa

2007/2008: Aston Villa 5-1 Birmingham City
2007/2008: Birmingham City 1-2 Aston Villa

2005/2006: Aston Villa 3-1 Birmingham City
2005/2006: Birmingham City 0-1 Aston Villa

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2010/2011 Premier League Statistics

Birmingham City

League Position: 15th
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-10-6 (Home: 3-5-2)
Goal Difference: 20-25 (Home: 9-10)
Form: DLDLW (Home: DWDDL)
Top Scorer: Craig Gardner (4)

Aston Villa

League Position: 18th
Win-Draw-Lose: 5-6-10 (Away: 1-2-7)
Goal Difference: 23-38 (Away: 8-25)
Form: WLLDL (Away: DLLLD)
Top Scorer: Stewart Downing (5)

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Birmingham City to WIN – 2.50 WilliamHill

Probably because he’s only been at the club at a matter of months, but you get the feeling Houllier isn’t at all happy with the squad he’s inherited and that he’s still unsure as to what his strongest eleven is. There have been numerous reports of dressing room discontent, the Frenchman rarely names the same team twice, and without some stability and continuity, of course the results aren’t going to come your way as regularly as you would like.

In stark contrast is Alex McLeish, who gives everyone confidence that he believes his every team he puts out there. They are incredibly strong at home, just two league defeats at St Andrews all season, which is more than can be said for their opponent’s who have lost seven of their ten away encounters in the league this season, as well as three of their last four and five of their previous seven, the majority of those without even finding the back of the net.

It has been a long time since Birmingham last registered a Premier League victory over the Villains, nearly six years, but they’ve arguably never been in a better shape, physically and mentally, to better such a dismal head-to-head. Their defence is rock-solid, almost impenetrable at times, the midfield works their socks off, as does Cameron Jerome up front. They did suffer a minor setback on Tuesday in the Carling Cup but nothing that cannot be fixed in the return leg back at St Andrews, where we expect Birmingham to run out worthy winners in Sunday’s Second City derby.

Match Odds:

Birmingham City – 2.50 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.25 StanJames
Aston Villa – 3.25 Boylesports 

West Ham V Birmingham City

Tuesday, 11th January – 19:45 (GMT)
LIVE on BBC2

West Ham

Hammers boss Avram Grant is determined to ignore all the media vultures who have spent the last month circling Upton Park waiting for what would appear the worst kept secret in English football to come to fruition, with reports suggesting the West Ham board will hold a meeting on Wednesday to ultimately decide Grant’s fate, and whether or not to go through with the plans which claim David Gold and David Sullivan, co-owners of West Ham United, are set to replace the Israeli with former Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce.

You cannot help but sympathise with Grant, especially should the inevitable happen on Wednesday. The board handed him a Christmas ultimatum of winning at least one of either league meetings with Blackburn, Fulham or Everton and he meet the criteria, and then some. Two wins and two draws over the festive period and in the New Year had seen the Hammers rise as high as 15th in the table, but their mid-season revival came to an abrupt halt courtesy of their heaviest defeat of the season less than a week ago, when Newcastle thumped Grant’s charges 5-0 at St James’ as the Hammers’ previously prosperous league position of 15th suddenly turned disastrous once more, with the club once again find themselves rooted to the foot of the league.

It would appear the board are eager to see the back of Grant, though the Israeli is frustrating the two David’s in that he continues to pull rabbits from the hat just at the precise moment Gold and Sullivan are prepared to put the former Chelsea and Portsmouth gaffer out of his misery. On Saturday, Grant guided West Ham into the Fourth Round of the FA Cup thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Barnsley, while we shouldn’t forget that it was the same manager who has masterminded this mazy run into the semi-finals of the Caring Cup, where the club are now just two games away from appearing in a major final, and it would maintained this trend of Grant having appear in a final at every club he’s managed.

Because Grant will know he’s under pressure to deliver a positive outcome on Tuesday, he’ll name a very strong side in a bid to make Wednesday’s boardroom meeting as complicated and as stressful as humanley possible. And if he can inspire his team to produce a performance similar to that which saw the Hammers spank Premier League pacesetters Manchester United 4-0 at Upton Park in the previous round, then it would take something extraordinary from their opponents to stop West Ham from putting one foot in the final.

The morale inside the West Ham dressing room shouldn’t be a problem, nor should there be any lack of confidence following an impressive run of form which has seen West Ham lose just one of their last six competitive matches. Furthermore, the Hammers are unbeaten on home soil in their last three games in all competitions, including victories over Barnsley and Wolves, while Avram Grant will feel his team have the slight edge mentally after they held Birmingham to a 2-2 draw on the road earlier in the season in a game where the Hammers were 2-0 up at half-time and should have gone on to clinch maximum points.

Birmingham City

In stark contrast to their semi-final opponent’s build-up, Birmingham’s pre-match preparations have gone smoothly, without any hiccups. In fact Alex McLeish will have virtually a full-strength squad to pick from for Tuesday’s Carling Cup clash with rock-bottom West Ham, while, if the paperwork goes through on time, McLeish may even have the luxury of handing David Bentley his début.

After a torrid first half to the season which seen Birmingham finish the year inside the relegation zone, Alex McLeish suddenly found some Scottish courage as soon as 2011 burst into life. All of sudden, Birmingham are playing with a bit of zest about them, with more intent and passion, particularly in the attacking third of the pitch. No longer are the Blues focusing solely on defending parity, they’re actually interested in winning matches for a change. Alex Hleb now resembles something close to the player which earned so many rave rewards when at Arsenal, with the Belarus international weaving his magic out on the touchline, while seeing Birmingham start games with two up front certainly is no eye-sore, although, saying that, Nikola Zigic is no Michael Buble.

We’re chuffed to bits to see Alex McLeish have a change of heart, with his previously all-out negative tactics tweaked somewhat. The same resolute defence still makes an appearance, although the same one which hasn’t kept a clean sheet in any competition in nearly two months, but offensively Birmingham are more of a threat and that makes them a dangerous proposition for the punters, particularly as they’ve hit a purple patch just at the time when West Ham have also hit a rich vein of form. Back-to-back wins within the space of a week – beating Blackpool away from home 2-1 before doubling up with a 4-1 rout of Millwall in the FA Cup – will have done the spirit of the dressing room the world of good, a dressing room McLeish had his concerns about a little over a week ago. It’s amazing what a couple of wins can do to a team, in this case breathe a fresh lease of life into each and every player.

So Birmingham are aiming to complete the hat-trick, a unique treble haul as well as victory on Tuesday at West Ham’s Upton Park would be their third success on the spin, all in different competitions. It’s a silly feat, one Alex McLeish and his team will care less about, with the opportunity to make their first appearance in a major final since 2001, fittingly in this very competition. Unfortunately, however, the Blues were losers that day, losing to Liverpool on penalties. The objective is to go one better this time around, but they must first despatch of a rejuvenated West Ham before they can even start contemplating of Wembley and entertaining the prospect of a major final.

Ironically, this despite our rave review of Birmingham’s new found love for attacking football and scoring goals, Alex McLeish will probably air on the side of caution a little more than they have done of late on Tuesday night. After all, this match will be settled in the second leg and the final leg will be played at Birmingham’s St Andrews, a fortress for the Blues as they’ve suffered just two defeats their in 25 league matches. However, with Birmingham recently putting their away voodoo to bed with successive away wins over Blackpool and Millwall, no longer can their abysmal away record be highlighted as a possible negative, at least not for this specific match, as right now Birmingham are bang in form on the road.

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Carling Cup Results

West Ham

Second Round: West Ham 1-0 Oxford United
Third Round: Sunderland 1-2 West Ham
Fourth Round: West Ham 3-1 Stoke City (AET)
Quarter-Final: West Ham 4-0 Manchester United

Birmingham City

Second Round: Birmingham City 3-2 Rochdale
Third Round: Birmingham City 3-1 MK Dons
Fourth Round: Birmingham City 1-1 Brentford (Birmingham won 4-3 on penalties)
Quarter-Final: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa

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Last 5 Matches

West Ham

FA Cup: West Ham 2-0 Barnsley
Premier League: Newcastle United 5-0 West Ham
Premier League: West Ham 2-0 Wolves
Premier League: West Ham 1-1 Everton
Premier League: Fulham 1-3 West Ham

Birmingham City

FA Cup: Millwall 1-4 Birmingham City
Premier League: Blackpool 1-2 Birmingham City
Premier League: Birmingham City 0-3 Arsenal
Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Manchester United
Premier League: Wolves 1-0 Birmingham City

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Match Prediction: Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

On form alone, I reckon Birmingham would just edge it. Back-to-back away wins is solid form heading over to Upton Park, where the hosts have conjured just six wins all season, in all competitions. However, this is a massive game for Avram Grant and West Ham, possibly make-or-break when you consider that less than 24 hours later the West Ham owners will meet to decide the Israeli’s fate.

Over Christmas the under-fire Hammers boss was under immense pressure to deliver results, with speculation suggesting he needed to pick up points else he was out the door by the time 2011 kicked into life, and his players responded to his rallying calls with just one defeat in six games. Can they do it all over again? Of course, although, the pressure is well and truly on the both manager and players to mastermind a winning result on Tuesday in the knowledge that getting a result in the second leg over at St Andrews will be difficult.

Birmingham have found their scoring touch of late but we’re expecting a more conservative approach to the match from Alex McLeish, who wouldn’t turn his nose up at a draw. Whether the same outcome would be viewed as positive by the West Ham owners remains to be seen.

Match odds:

West Ham – 2.25 Bet365
Draw – 3.40 SkyBet
Birmingham City – 3.50 VictorChandler

Blackpool V Birmingham City

Tuesday, 4th January – 20:00 (GMT)
Venue: Bloomfield Road
Previous Meeting: Birmingham City 2-0 Blackpool (23 Oct, 2010)

Blackpool

Despite suffering their first setback in seven matches, when beaten by Manchester City at the City of Manchester stadium on New Year’s day, the entire Blackpool camp are convinced they have it within them to bounce back and make an immediate return to winning ways. And they won’t be the only ones confident in their ability to defy a setback, as Blackpool’s virtuoso displays in the Premier League so far have earned them so many admirers, so up against a Birmingham side without an away win all season, the Tangerines may prove a popular selection in the betting rings.

Even in defeat Blackpool still come away having collected so many plaudits, as they’ve done on so many previous occasions this season. But it hasn’t been a hard luck story for the Tangerines, who find themselves comfortably above the drop and needing, realistically, just 15 more points in order to guarantee survival. Three of those points look set to come on Tuesday, when they hosts a poor travelling and currently lacking in form Birmingham City, though Blackpool can ill-afford to allow arrogance or complacency to creep into their game and it’s not as though their opponents in midweek are walkovers. Quite the opposite in fact, as top-flight sides don’t come more resilient and industrious than Birmingham City.

The last time Ian Holloway met Alex McLeish, Holloway would freely admit has was out-thought by his opposite number as the Blues of Birmingham completely outplayed the Tangerine Orange of Blackpool. No doubt that encounter will be playing on the mind of Holloway, who is once again ruling out tactical changes meaning the same old attack-minded Blackpool will turn up on Tuesday, but they could be the makers of their own downfall if they aren’t careful, as Birmingham have already proven they can be one of Blackpool’s bogey teams, not least because Birmingham are actually capable of repelling a Tangerine invasion on their goalmouth. A lot of patience is required from Holloway’s side, I’m not sure whether they’ll have enough as 90 minutes with Birmingham can be frustrating at times, just ask Aston Villa, Bolton, Man City and Sunderland, teams who are all very strong at home but failed to overhaul the Blues on home soil.

Because of the manner in which they play – all-out attack, and often without a care in the world as to how many men they commit forward into attack, they’ll rightly have admirers. Because of the amount of goals they score, which after 18 matches in the Premiership currently stands at 30, and their ability to spring a surprise will make them a hit with the majority of punters. However, while the Tangerines are a breathe of fresh air to watch, they are far from untouchable and the use of right tactics, formation and personnel would see them struggle, which is why I have my concerns regarding their chances on Tuesday night up against a well-drilled, stubborn Birmingham side.

Furthermore, Blackpool are the favourites – A kiss of death if ever I saw one. The majority of their wins this season have come against all the odds, so on the one rare occasion where they are outright favourites to win a Premier League encounter, the word typical would instantly spring to mind were they slip-up in what on paper looks a straightforward home match-up with second from bottom and winless on the road Birmingham City.

Birmingham City

Alex McLeish has a full bill of health ahead of Tuesday night’s encounter with Premiership enthusiasts Blackpool, whom they completely outplayed in the first meeting between the two sides as goals from Liam Ridgewell and Nikola Zigic handed Birmingham a thoroughly deserved win back in October. Since then, however, McLeish has seen his team win just once – Beating Chelsea, of all teams, 1-0 at St Andrews – while this agonising wait for a first away win since March – 14 matches on the road without winning – hasn’t shown any signs of coming to a halt either.

So what does 2011 have instore for Birmingham City? More importantly, how will they fare in the second half of the season? You would like to think their fortunes would improve, as there really isn’t much scope for error where they are at the present time, which is struggling near the foot of the table and very much in a desperate fight for survival. Defeat at home to Arsenal last time out, where they were comprehensively beaten by a Gunners side who strolled to a 3-0 victory at St Andrews, has meant Birmingham find only mediocre Wolves below them in the league, a harrowing sight in itself, though safety is just one win away and it is that factor alone which should provide motivation for the Birmingham camp.

Not scoring enough goals is the root of their problems – Just 18 all season but on just six occasions have they surpassed the one goal marker in a single match, and not once in their last seven, and although their defence is still pretty reliable, you do find yourself scratching your head when questioning where their next win is going to come from. Will it arrive at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday? Chance will be a fine thing. Only Birmingham have yet to win away from home this season. However, the Tangerines may just be the ideal counterweight for the Blues, who will use their well-oiled defensive machine to frustrate the hosts as they go in search of spoils in the other end of the pitch on the counter, although their best chance of scoring would appear to be through set-plays, as technically Birmingham are extremely poor – No team in the top-flight has created less opportunities than Birmingham this season.

You’ll probably think we’re mad, but Blackpool may be where their dire away rut comes to an end. After all, the Blues have had this frustrating knack of producing a relegation-easing win from out of nowhere while, going by the two sets of starting XI’s, and mainly how McLeish will set them up to frustrate their attack-minded hosts, I can just see Birmingham enjoying a bit of away fortune for a change. Could be wrong. The form book would strongly suggest I will be, and I’m sure most of you will be chuckling away as well. Hopefully, I’ll be the one having the last laugh.

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Last 5 Results

Blackpool

Premier League: Manchester City 1-0 Blackpool
Premier League: Sunderland 0-2 Blackpool
Premier League: Stoke City 0-1 Blackpool
Premier League: Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Blackpool
Premier League: Blackpool 2-1 Wolves

Birmingham City

Premier League: Birmingham City 0-3 Arsenal
Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Manchester United
Premier League: Wolves 1-0 Birmingham City
Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Fulham
Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

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Head-to-Head

These two teams have never contested a Premier League fixture previously.

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2010/2011 Premier League Statistics

Blackpool

League Position: 11th
Win-Draw-Lose: 7-4-7 (Home: 2-2-2)
Form: WDWWL (Home: LLWDW)
Goal Difference: 26-30 (Home: 11-11)
Top Scorer: Dudley Campbell, Luke Varney & Marlon Harewood (5)

Birmingham City

League Position: 19th
Win-Draw-Lose: 3-10-6 (Away: 0-5-4)
Form: DDLDL (Away: DLDDL)
Goal Difference: 18-24 (Away: 9-14)
Top Scorer: Craig Gardner (4)

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Team News

Blackpool

Ian Holloway is set to make changes to his starting XI in a bid to protect the fitness and conditioning of his players, with Matt Philipps, who impressed from the bench at Eastlands on Saturday, set to be handed a rare opportunity to shine from the outset. Goalkeeper Matt Gilks is among those still sidelined through injury, as are Chris Basham, Elliot Grandin and Marlon Harewood.

Birmingham City

Alex McLeish doesn’t have any injury nor suspension worries ahead of the trip to Blackpool, although midfielder Lee Bowyer is being investigated by the FA for a stamp on Bacary Sagna at St Andrews on Saturday. Alex Hleb came off the bench in that game to replace the disappointing Jean Beausejour, and the Belarus international could replace the Chilean in the starting XI, while Nikola Zigic is also pushing for a starting berth and could start instead of Cameron Jerome, who worked tirelessly up front by himself against the Gunners and may well need time to recover.

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Birmingham City to WIN – 3.30 VictorChandler

If you took the time to read through both previews then you’ve probably pre-guessed my match prediction, but we’re on the Blues of Birmingham anyhow to clinch what would be three massive points for Alex McLeish and his players, a victory which would go some way to easing the threat of relegation.

You’ll struggle to find a team in the country who boast more value for money than Blackpool. By the same token, the Tangerines are becoming a tad too predictable in that Ian Holloway is always going to set his team up to play on the front foot, and that leaves his side vulnerably to tactical exploitation. Birmingham boss McLeish completely out-thought his opposite number when the two sides clashed at St Andrews back in October, a defeat Holloway won’t have forgotten in a hurry, but whether Holloway adjusts his formation and tactics accordingly remains to be seen, although I’m not 100% sure he will and that spells trouble in my opinion.

Extremely well organised at the back, rock-solid and combative in the centre of the park and a constant threat from set-plays, Birmingham appear to be a nemesis in the making for Blackpool.

Match Odds:

Blackpool – 2.38 Boylesports
Draw – 3.40 Coral
Birmingham City – 3.30 VictorChandler

Birmingham City V Arsenal

Kick-off: Saturday, 1st January – 17:30 (GMT)
Venue: St Andrews
TV Coverage: ESPN

Birmingham City

Birmingham’s third draw in four games was arguably the most impressive of the lot, after sharing the spoils with the New Year league leaders Manchester United at St Andrews. On paper alone, a fantastic result against an opponent who were beginning to find their best form, however the reward, plaudits aside, was just a single point and although it was an impressive point, it hasn’t done a great deal to enhance their league predicament, nor did it boost their profile and the general perception of them by the public, who have started to voice their displeasure at seeing such negative, unattractive and dare we say boring football from Alex McLeish’s men this season.

This brand of football being played by Birmingham isn’t new nor surprising, they did it throughout the whole of last season and were praised for the success they enjoyed at the end of the term: Survival. And despite finishing a sublime ninth in the table, there was no doubt that Birmingham had overachieved during 2009/2010, and that the following season survival for the second successive year would once again be the primary goal. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been plain sailing second time around and while some will be quick to put it down to ‘Second Season Syndrome’, in reality it’s simply a case of Birmingham becoming far too predictable and playing to type. No longer do the Blues bring that mysterious quality to matches, or any quality for that matter, with everyone now well aware of how they’ll play, which is basically to defend parity for as long as possible, with a 4-5-1 formation which almost turns into a 9-0-1 set up at times, hoping to snatch one up the other end via a set-piece.

Don’t get me wrong, Birmingham will collect points this season, only the majority of those will come in 1′s. A rock-solid defence and a world-class goalie to boot means Birmingham are immensely difficult to beat, particularly at home, and will at least register the odd point here and there. However, the rest of their set-up doesn’t really merit any recognition as up top, in the final third of the pitch, an area where games are actually won, the Blues have been dismal to say the least so to see just three wins associated with Birmingham City this season isn’t a major surprise, not in the slightest, as no team in the top-flight has created fewer chances than McLeish’s Birmingham this season – And you could argue that no team in the country plays in such a negative, gauge your eyes out manner.

As you can probably tell, I’m not Birmingham’s biggest fan, however punters will probably be of a different opinion. After all, the Blues are very consistent in one area of expertise and that’s drawing matches – No team has drawn more top-flight fixtures than Birmingham City this season – A shared honour with Everton and Fulham. Draws are always priced up at appealing odds so punters backing this precise outcome will have benefited greatly from the Blues, in particular against strong opposition at St Andrews. Against the traditional ‘Big Four’ of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd, Birmingham have yet to lose a single encounter since their return to the Premiership for the 2009/2010 campaign – W1 D6 L0; that one victory coming against Chelsea in November, 2010. Throw in draws with Tottenham and Man City last term, the former once again this season (1-1), all at St Andrews, and you’ll start to understand why so many are refusing to rule out Birmingham adding to Arsenal’s woes on Saturday, although you get the impression that if they are to spring a surprise then it will only be in the form of another predictable stalemate.

Only Everton have beaten the Blues in 24 league games at St Andrews; only Blackburn, West Ham, Tottenham and Man Utd have even managed to find a way past Ben Foster in the Birmingham goal this season, so there is certainly evidence to suggest Alex McLeish’s side are capable of grounding out yet another result against the odds.

Arsenal

As Arsenal continue to flirt with the prospect of challenging for the Premier League crown, Arsene Wenger was insistent of criticising his defence following Wednesday’s missed opportunity to join United and City at the summit at Wigan, as well as in the process pointing where all the problems arose on Wednesday evening. We weren’t quite sure what to make of his comments, when suggesting his defence lacked any communication or leadership qualities, with one part of us saying some home truths could prove beneficial in the long run while the other half of me feels he probably should have done his slating and criticial assessment behind closed doors. However, the most damning of them all was the fact it took the Frenchman until the midway point of the season to realise what everyone else has known for quite some time now, that this Arsenal defence simply isn’t good enough to challenge for major honours.

Even though the belittling of his defence should have been for dressing room occupants only, no-one would disagree with what Wenger had to say on a defence which has received its fair share of criticism this season.  Following his side’s 2-2 draw with relegation threatened Wigan Athletic, Arsene Wenger bemoaned the lack of organisation, leadership and cohesion at the back when really he should have been pointing the finger at himself. Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas, while undoubtedly are in the twilight of their playing careers, were all seasoned veterans and their experience at the back would have proved invaluable, even if it was merely from the bench of restricted even to just the training pitch. Now Wenger has left himself with a selection of youngsters to choose from, most of which don’t have enough Premiership years under their belts.

At full-back, Arsenal are fine, however at centre-half, the heart of any defence, the Gunners lack a number of vital characteristics required in order to remain watertight. Laurent Koscielny still looks way to exposed and vulnerable, and very weak in the challenge. Johan Djourou is a prospect and did actually impress during Arsenal’s sensational 3-1 win over Chelsea on Monday, while for all Sebastien Squillaci’s experience of playing at the highest level in other countries, he’s looked well out of his depth. Thomas Vermaelen is an outstanding defender in my opinion, although he does have his flaws, but he’s the best of the lot, the best leader they have at the back, and without the Belgian centre-half, whom returned with figures of 8 goals in 33 appearances for Arsenal last season, you cannot help but worry for the Gunners who urgently need a dependable back-four because of the manner in which they play their football, which is expansive and with an element of freedom which in turn leaves them exposed to speedy breakaways.

Arsenal’s cause isn’t helped by the lack of world-class goalkeepers at the club, or even keepers of a Premiership calibre. Lukasz Fabianski is the current holder of the gloves and everyone knows he’s vulnerable in the aerial duels, so a trip to St Andrews, where their opponent’s are something of set-play specialists, looks a daunting prospect for the Gunners, who have failed to win on either of their last two visits to St Andrews.

While we feel Arsenal are vulnerable against Birmingham’s aerial prowess, we do, however, feel no team is better equipped to thwart Birmingham’s stubborn, resilient nature at home than Arsene Wenger’s team. Technically there is no-one better in the country at moving the ball around the pitch, side-to-side or through the middle, and peircing defences; while their midfield is packed to the rafters with flair and creativity. Wenger foolishly made wholesale changes for Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw with Wigan, with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri among those rested. The pair are very much expected to return to the starting XI for the trip to Birmingham and with both a lot fresher for their DW absence, there shouldn’t be any shortage of energy in the Arsenal engine room, and that should mean Arsenal create at least twice as many chances as the hosts, who unwillingly post the worst creative record in the entire top-flight, meaning Arsenal look a great shout providing the law of averages works in their favour.

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Last 5 Matches

Birmingham City

Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Manchester United
Premier League: Wolves 1-0 Birmingham City
Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa
Premier League: Fulham 1-1 Birmingham City

Arsenal

Premier League: Wigan Athletic 2-2 Arsenal
Premier League: Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea
Premier League: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal
Champions League: Arsenal 3-1 Partizan Belgrade
Premier League: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham

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Premier League Head-to-Head (Last 5 Seasons)

2010/2011: Arsenal 2-1 Birmingham City

2009/2010: Birmingham City 1-1 Arsenal
2009/2010: Arsenal 3-1 Birmingham City

2007/2008: Birmingham City 2-2 Arsenal
2007/2008: Arsenal 1-1 Birmingham City

2005/2006: Birmingham City 0-2 Arsenal
2005/2006: Arsenal 1-0 Birmingham City

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2010/2011 Premier League Statistics

Birmingham City

League Position: 16th
Win-Draw-Lose: 3-10-5 (Home: 3-5-1)
Form: WDDLD (Home: WDWDD)
Goal Difference: 18-21 (Home: 9-7)
Top Scorer: Craig Gardner (4)

Arsenal

League Position: 3rd
Win-Draw-Lose: 11-3-5 (Away: 5-3-2)
Form: WWLWD (Away: WWWWL)
Goal Difference: 39-22 (Away: 17-11)
Top Scorer: Samir Nasri (8)

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Team News

Birmingham City

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish doesn’t have any fresh injuries to deal with ahead of the visit of Arsenal, though the Scot may decide to unleash former Gunner Alex Hleb at some point. The Belarusian has spent most of his spell on loan with the Blues from Barcelona sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger will once again be without centre-half Thomas Vermaelen in a week where he criticised his defence following their two goal concession away to Wigan in midweek. Abou Diaby limped off during that precise clash with a calf injury and will now miss the trip to Birmingham, however that remains Wenger’s only real concern and the Frenchman is expected to make changes following the disappointing draw with Wigan, with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri certainties to return to the starting XI, as could Robin Van Persie.

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Match Prediction: Arsenal to WIN – 1.67 Bet365

Doubts over their defensive capabilities maybe, but we do genuinely believe Arsenal are well equipped to counter Birmingham’s anti-football style. No team in the country moves the ball around like Arsenal, only leaders Manchester United can match their scoring expertise. This Arsenal team is one crammed full of midfield ingenuity, one never shy of a bit of creativity or imagination, and it’s just as well as few are as well organised as Birmingham City.

The hosts, Birmingham, will no doubt set themselves up in their typical 4-5-1 formation, defending in numbers whenever they aren’t in possession, which will be most of the time I would imagine, but it is the fact Birmingham are useless at creating scoring opportunities from open play which swung it for us, as while their defence works industriously throughout every 90 minutes at home, they are unlikely to be put through their paces like they will on Saturday, when the league’s joint-prolific team come to town, whom have won just as many matches away from home this season – Away Record: W5 D3 L2 – and have scored more away goals than anyone else bar Man City this term.

Throw in the freshness of Arsenal’s starting XI as opposed to Birmingham’s, with the Blues having to work tirelessly just to wrestle a point out of their Tuesday night encounter with Man Utd; undeservedly so in my opinion, as opposed to Arsenal making wholesale changes for their trip to Wigan, a match they ought to have won; an Arsenal victory looks pretty tempting.

Our Recommended Punt: Both Teams to Score – 2.00 SkyBet

Match Odds:

Birmingham City – 5.50 BetFred
Draw – 4.00 VictorChandler
Arsenal – 1.67 Bet365

Birmingham City V Manchester United

Kick-off: Tuesday, 28th December – 20:00 (GMT)
Venue: St Andrews
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

One of the more contrasting clashes on Tuesday sees Birmingham City entertain Manchester United inside St Andrews, where the Red Devils have won only once in their previous four league visits but find themselves needing to better a disappointing track record in Birmingham if they’re to retain top-spot in the Barclay’s Premier League table come the end of 2010.

No team are in a better position to wrestle the Premier League crown away from Chelsea’s grasp than Manchester United, and that’s a frightening statement for all of their rivals as the Red Devils have a proven track record of finishing the campaign like a steam train. Sat top of the pile by two points, with just as many games in hand over their nearest pursuer, local rivals Man City, to say United’s situation is healthy would be a massive understatement – It’s dominant. What’s more, they appear as though they’re hitting their stride with the performances gradually getting to the standard which would suggest a team in title-winning form.

Their latest signal of intent was to comprehensively beat a Sunderland side who have caused each of their title rivals problems. At Old Trafford, United were rampant as the final score of 2-0 didn’t fairly reflect the dominance Fergie’s men enjoyed. Ryan Giggs in particular was in sublime form, as was Wayne Rooney even though he still awaits his first goal from open play since March, though it was top-scorer Dimitar Berbatov who once again stole all the limelight with his brace. The Bulgarian is showing the sort of clinical finishing and composure in front of goal which forced Ferguson’s hand over two years ago, and his budding relationship with Rooney really has blossomed this season and it’s been the silky Bulgarian who has reaped the vast majority of the rewards and plaudits, taking his league tally for the term to 13 on Boxing Day.

While United’s midfielders and strikers have been catching everyone’s eye and making all the headlines, only the shrewd few, and I’m going to throw my big head into that ring, would pay homage to a defence which has been the solid foundation needed in order for the Red Devils to stand strong in a crowded market place which has become more and more unstable as the competitors around them toughen up and raise their game. No longer are injuries restricting the growth of the chemistry at the back for United, with the Van Der Vaart; Vidic, Ferdinand, Rafael and Evra set-up growing in stature and confidence with every match. Only a scruffy Christopher Samba goal has found its way past Edwin Van Der Saar in United’s last four league encounters, with their shut-out at home to Sunderland on Sunday their third in four games.

Christmas may well have passed but we’re willing to play the role of Humbug Scrooge by dashing all the hysteria around Manchester by highlighting Manchester United’s disconcerting away flaws.

A staggering nine of their ten league victories this season have come at Old Trafford, as have 27 of their 38 goals. The gulf in not only quality of performance but also the end product between their home and away matches is so huge that United, despite their incredibly strong position at the top of the table, instantly become a vulnerable outfit on the road. Only Stoke City, via two wonderful Javier Hernandez goals, have been beaten at home by Man Utd this season, only Sunderland and Man City have been denied in front of goal by United at home as well.

It all makes for unpleasant reading if you’re a United supporter, but there’s no doubt United have been racing through the gears and with confidence in the dressing room sky-high – Sir Alex was even seen joking with Berbatov after the Bulgarian was subbed late into the Boxing Day feast at Old Trafford – the league form impeccable and their star men beginning to find their rhythm, that away spark which is definitely needed in order for United to clinch their record-breaking twelfth Premier League crown may well be just around the corner.

Of course, Alex McLeish and Birmingham will have other ideas, and it isn’t as though the Blues don’t have their own immediate urgency for points.

Positioned in 17th and possibly just one more defeat away from dropping into the bottom three for the first time this season, matters haven’t just taken a serious turn for the worse at St Andrews, there’s a growing sense of desperation. Just three wins in the league thus far, just one in their previous eight, there’s a distinct lack of cohesion and continuity about the Birmingham campaign thus far – And combined with their lack of final third creativity and flair, having registered the least amount of shots on and off target in the top-flight this term, we’re already considering Birmingham for the drop.

On the positive side of things, all of Birmingham’s premium wins have come at their St Andrews, what had been a fortress until Everton spoiled everything earlier in the season. Even so, they’ve succumbed to defeat on just one occasion in twenty-three and boast a far stronger defensive record at home than they do on the road, conceding eight less.

However, the lack of goals is a massive concern especially as they aren’t creating chances. Seventeen isn’t the worst goalscoring record in the league, though it isn’t encouraging either – It’s virtually on par with the relegation occupants. Eight of those have come at St Andrews however, and the Blues have scored in each of their previous four home contests in the Premier League, so there is at least some hidden form to suggest Birmingham are capable of frustrating the mighty Reds for the second year running. Plus, they’ll be the fresher of the two after their Boxing Day clash with Everton was postponed.

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Last 5 Matches

Birmingham City

Premier League: Everton P-P Birmingham City
Premier League: Wolves 1-0 Birmingham City
Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa
Premier League: Fulham 1-1 Birmingham City

Manchester United

Premier League: Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland
Premier League: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal
Premier League: Blackpool P-P Manchester United
Champions League: Manchester United 1-1 Valencia
Carling Cup: West Ham 4-0 Manchester United

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Premier League Head-to-Head (Last 10)

2009/2010: Birmingham City 1-1 Manchester United
2009/2010: Manchester United 1-0 Birmingham City

2007/2008: Manchester United 1-0 Birmingham City
2007/2008: Birmingham City 0-1 Manchester United

2005/2006: Manchester United 3-0 Birmingham City
2005/2006: Birmingham City 2-2 Manchester United

2004/2005: Manchester United 2-0 Birmingham City
2004/2005: Birmingham City 0-0 Manchester United

2003/2004: Birmingham City 1-2 Manchester United
2003/2004: Manchester United 3-0 Birmingham City

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2010/2011 Premier League Statistics

Birmingham City

League Position: 17th
Win-Draw-Lose: 3-9-5 (Home: 3-4-1)
Form: DWDDL (Home: LWDWD)
Goal Difference: 17-20 (Home: 8-6)
Top Scorer: Craig Gardner (4)

Manchester United

League Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 10-7-0 (Away: 1-6-0)
Form: DWWWW (Away: DDWDD)
Goal Difference: 38-16 (Away: 11-10)
Top Scorer: Dimitar Berbatov (13)

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Team News

Alex McLeish has confirmed that on-loan Barcelona ace Alex Hleb, who has spent the last four weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury, has returned to first-team training and that he would play some part over the festive period and New Year. James McFadden is the only definite absentee, with the Scot out with a knee injury – cruciate ligament damage – since September.

Aware of Birmingham’s Boxing Day breather, with the Blues’ clash away to Everton on Boxing Day postponed due to a burst water pipe, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson displayed his economic qualities by resting top-scorer Dimitar Berbatov, replacing the Bulgarian, who scored twice in his side’s 2-0 win at home over Sunderland, with Javier Hernandez late on. Berbatov, who hasn’t featured too prominently in United’s December schedule, for one reason or another, should now be certain of a starting berth at St Andrews.

Ryan Giggs was also handed some much needed rest bite. The Welshman played a starring role in United’s victory over the Black Cats and was substituted on the hour mark with Tuesday’s trip to Birmingham in mind, as was Brazilian midfielder Anderson, who was deputising for the ill Darren Fletcher. Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Antonio Valencia won’t feature in a United shirt until 2011.

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Match Odds:

Birmingham City – 7.00 VictorChandler
Draw – 4.00 Bet365
Manchester United – 1.57 Coral

Everton V Birmingham City

Sunday, 26th December – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Goodison Park

Everton

After a torrid first half to the season, which has seen the Toffees spend much of the season floundering in the lower reaches of the league, Everton fans received a couple of early Christmas presents, thoroughly deserved gifts as well considering what they’ve had to withstand this season from the terraces. A sensational victory over Manchester City was the first surprise, a surprise because previously Everton hadn’t won in their last seven matches, while the second was news of full-back Leighton Baines deny any interest in a move elsewhere.

It’s unusual for a full-back to be making very many headlines, only really in exceptional circumstances for exceptional full-back’s. I wouldn’t necessarily claim Baines to be world-class, but the former Wigan defender isn’t far off and is playing somewhere near the level which is bound to attract plenty of interest all across Europe. Reports suggest that German powerhouse Bayern Munich are lining up a move for the Toffee, who scored Everton’s winner away to Man City last Monday as Everton stopped the rut. And furthermore, it was the platform they needed heading into a bumper schedule of league fixtures, all of which are very much winnable so a fruitful run of games could be on the cards as Everton look to get their season back on track.

Games with Birmingham City at Goodison and West Ham at Upton Park are two feasible fixtures, so is a trip to Stoke, and with Everton languishing in the bottom half of the table all three simply have to be converted into maximum points if they’re to come anywhere near completing their season-long objective of a return to Europe. Mikel Arteta will return from his three-match suspension to add some craft to a midfield which looked lively and very energetic and resolute away to City almost a week ago, however David Moyes is still having trouble with his strikers. Yakubu, Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford have just three league goals between them, while Victor Anichebe, the player who jumped straight above the aforementioned forwards in Moyes’ pecking order at Eastlands will miss out on Saturday’s home encounter with Birmingham through suspension, after the Nigerian was dismissed for two bookable offences.

So it’s back to a dour selection of forward for Moyes, whom has been ever so grateful for the prolificness at which Tim Cahill has been scoring this season. The Aussie already has nine league goals under his belt and is only two behind the league’s leading scorer, Dimitar Berbatov. Moyes claims Cahill leads by example, not only with his goals but more importantly with his fully-committed attitude and determined nature. With the strikers in lacklustre form, Everton may well need their shining light to shine once more if they’re to record only their second set of back-to-back wins for the season – Although, with Birmingham in dire form away from home and having not won an away fixture in the Premiership since March, they may not be a better time for the forwards to get in amongst the goals and really give the whole offensive department a real lift.

Birmingham City

I was browsing through the ‘Next Manager to Leave Post’ on Oddschecker and was shocked to see how big Alex McLeish was in the betting. The Scot raised everyone’s expectations as well as the overall perception of Birmingham City when guiding the Blues to a top-ten finish in only their first season back in the top-flight, this not long after Carson Yeung bought the club in 2007, a manager who we believe has very high standards and demands which he expects McLeish and his players to uphold. So, with Birmingham suffering from a case of first-half season Blues, with the club hovering precariously over the relegation zone, surely his neck is more at risk of the chop than say Mick McCarthy, who manages a Wolves side further down the table, a club of similar stature to that of Birmingham and with symmetric budget restraints. The 40/1 available with PaddyPower could prove a very lucrative Christmas gift for someone.

Why have we alerted you about the possibility of Alex McLeish being the next manager given the old heave-hoe? Birmingham, at the mid-way stage of proceedings, find themselves languishing – Our favourite word at the moment – near the foot of the table and just a torrid festive period away from spending the early part of 2011 stranded in the relegation zone. And the relegation zone does look Birmingham’s likely destination at this point, with their upcoming fixtures extremely difficult.

First up is a trip to Merseyside, where a resurgent Everton are aiming to build upon their recent success over mega-spending Man City, in a fixture the Toffees have dominated over the years. We say dominate, by dominate we mean haven’t lost to Birmingham in the league since 2003 – A dismal run which inevitably looks set to continue what with Birmingham’s last top-flight win on the road coming back in March – They beat a Portsmouth side which finished rock-bottom that season – with a total of fourteen matches been and gone since then.

After their trip to Goodison comes home encounters with Manchester United and Arsenal, two sides they conjured hard-fought draws against last season, but with the Red Devils eager to cement their place at the top of the pile, and with Arsenal’s away from having improved immensely this season, there’s every chance of Birmingham collecting zero points from their three matches in a week over Christmas and New Year, while after that they face a trip to Blackpool – Which won’t be a pleasant stroll along the Seaside for Alex McLeish’s men. And to top it off, January 8th sees the Blues make the daunting, some would say intimidating, trip to the New Den, home of Millwall.

Alex McLeish is 40/1 with PaddyPower to be the next manager to leave his post, meaning sacked or he resigns. The former, considering there is a high probability of his team collecting no points in their upcoming four league fixtures, whilst their Third Round tie in the FA Cup with Millwall has all the makings of a Banana skin.

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Last 5 Matches

Everton

Premiership: Manchester City 1-2 Everton
Premiership: Everton 0-0 Wigan Athletic
Premiership: Chelsea 1-1 Everton
Premiership: Everton 1-4 West Brom
Premiership: Sunderland 2-2 Everton

Birmingham City

Premiership: Wolves 1-0 Birmingham City
Premiership: Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa
Premiership: Fulham 1-1 Birmingham City
Premiership: Birmingham City 1-0 Chelsea

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Head-to-Head

2010/2011: Birmingham City 0-2 Everton
2009/2010: Birmingham City 2-2 Everton
2009/2010: Everton 1-1 Birmingham City
2007/2008: Birmingham City 1-1 Everton
2007/2008: Everton 3-1 Birmingham City
2005/2006: Everton 0-0 Birmingham City
2005/2006: Birmingham City 0-1 Everton
2004/2005: Everton 1-1 Birmingham City
2004/2005: Birmingham City 0-1 Everton
2003/2004: Birmingham City 3-0 Everton
2003/2004: Everton 1-0 Birmingham City

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2010/2011 Premier League Statistics

Everton

League Position: 14th
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-9-5 (Home: 2-4-3)
Form: DLDDW (Home: WDLLD)
Goal Difference: 20-21 (Home: 10-12)
Top Scorer: Tim Cahill (9)

Birmingham City

League Position: 16th
Win-Draw-Lose: 3-9-5 (Away: 0-5-4)
Form: DWDDL (Away: DLDDL)
Goal Difference: 17-20 (Away: 9-14)
Top Scorer: Craig Gardner (4)

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Match Odds:

Everton – 1.67 Boylesports
Draw – 3.80 StanJames
Birmingham City – 7.00 VictorChandler

Birmingham City V Newcastle United

Kick-off: Saturday, 18th December – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: St Andrews

Birmingham City

Last week we nominated Stoke manager Tony Pulis as the season’s latest Mr. Scrooge, and wrongly so as it would appear the decision not to spend big on on-loan winger Jermaine Pennant is down to the club’s owner. Fear not as Birmingham’s Alex McLeish has earned the role on his own merits, cancelling the team’s annual Christmas party as he felt his side didn’t deserve an X-Mas bash because of where they lie in the Premiership table.

Formerly the manager of Scotland at international level, Alex McLeish has always had a business before pleasure type of reputation and the Scot shown his discontent with how the season has panned out thus far but cancelling any festive knees-up this time around, what with his team currently languishing near the foot of the table and just one defeat away from possibly enduring a spell inside the bottom three. Quite frankly, there is no time for the Blues to take their eyes off the ball and so the decision looks a logical one considering, though players who have had a difficult time of things on the pitch can often do with a festive get-together, so time will tell whether McLeish has made the right decision even though we’re 100% behind his bold decision.

One player in particular who did get behind McLeish following the cancellation was veteran striker Kevin Phillips, although the former Sunderland and West Brom striker is partly to blame as it was his missed opportunity away to Wolves last weekend which cost the Blues a valuable away point. In fairness, though, the result was a fair reflection on a game Wolves dominated and Birmingham massively disappointed in, with McLeish seeing his side produce arguably their poorest display of the season thus far at Molineux, against a team currently positioned in 19th. Birmingham just couldn’t get going in that match, the was no desire or passion from the players, nor any imagination or cutting edge in the final third.

Luckily for Alex McLeish, his side’s next encounter will be at home, although up against a rejuvenated Newcastle side who beat Liverpool with aplomb last weekend at St James’. St Andrews has been a fortress for Birmingham ever since their promotion back to the Premier League in 2009, with the Blues having suffered just three defeats at home in the Premier League under Alex McLeish’s stewardship. Furthermore, only Everton have beaten them at home this season, they’re unbeaten in their last four in Birmingham and can eve boast hugely impressive results in their latest home assignments with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur and that stunning 1-0 win over defending champions Chelsea.

Newcastle United

Reports this week suggest a Qatar consortium is considering the possibility of acquiring Newcastle United FC, with current owner Mike Ashley having put the club up for sale just before they were relegated from the Premiership back in 2009 only to take it back off the market the same year, when the club were well on their way to clinching promotion back to the promised land. But with Ashley’s relationship with supporters virtually non-existent, with fans desperate to see the back of a man whom they believe makes rash decisions, often on a whim rather than using any basis common sense.

In the meantime, Ashley is praying fans buy into his latest headline maker, his decision to uproot former manager Chris Hughton, who guided the club to immediate promotion back into the top-flight by winning the 2009/2010 Championship, as well as masterminding the team’s stable start to the current campaign which has included wins over Everton and Arsenal, and a well-earned draw with Chelsea, and replace him with Alan Pardew, a manager with very little Premiership experience and a coach which has experienced more lows than highs during his managerial career. But the former Charlton, West Ham and Southampton manager made the perfect start as Magpies boss, successfully plotting Liverpool’s demise at St James’ last weekend, a result which had some supporter backtracking on their original views that Newcastle would begin their customary side down the table following major yet unnecessary recent changes.

So it was the dream start he dreamt of for Alan Pardew, whom has never walked into a new club and felt more like Goldilocks than ever before, stepping into someone’s hot shoes just days after the dismissal and while the fans’ fury and anger still burned strong for Mike Ashley and whoever Chrish Hughton’s replacement was. It was far to say that the consensus wasn’t in favour of Pardew’s appointment, but they were delirious with his first result; guiding Newcastle to a stunning 3-1 win over Liverpool. Above all else, it helped stop the rot, with the Magpies having previously gone their last five league matches without winning, but more poignant was the performance from his players, players who some questioned would pledge their full support to Pardew following the sacking of Hughton, a manager every player at St James’ adore and respected. Instead, inspired by captain Kevin Nolan’s professionalism, they gave their new boss their full backing and shown on the pitch that they were willing to pull in the same direction of a manager who still has a hostile rapport with the fans.

The good times just continue to roll for Alan Pardew, who will welcome back Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson from suspension and the pair could jump straight back into the starting XI even though their centre-half deputies, Sol Campbell and Steven Taylor, have done a commendable job in their absences. Midfield Joey Barton, who scored the team’s crucial second goal against the Reds which ultimately sent the Magpies on their way to three valuable points and a dream start for his new manager, even managed to escape any punishment from the FA for his appalling gestures towards Fernando Torres. Once again Barton throws his chances of an England call in the bin with yet more disgraceful acts on the pitch, a player Fabio Capello could really do with, someone who plays with his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to stick his body on the line for the good of the team, as he shown with his goal at St James’ last weekend.

So can this Pardew – Newcastle relationship keep up winning pretences? Their record in the league against Birmingham would suggest so, with the Magpies posting an extremely healthy head-to-head of having not lost in a top-flight fixture to Birmingham City since 2003. During that time the pair have clashed on seven occasions, Newcastle winning three of those – although neither were at St Andrews – with the remaining four obviously finishing in stalemate. In terms of their last victory in the Premier League at Birmingham, Newcastle fans will need to cast their minds back to when Nolberto Solano and Shola Ameobi earned the Magpies a 2-0 win.

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Recent Form (Last 5):

Birmingham City

Premier League: Wolves 1-0 Birmingham City
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa
Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League: Fulham 1-1 Birmingham City
Premier League: Manchester City 0-0 Birmingham City

Newcastle United

Premier League: Newcastle United 3-1 Liverpool
Premier League: West Brom 3-1 Newcastle United
Premier League: Newcastle United 1-1 Chelsea
Premier League: Bolton Wanderers 5-1 Newcastle United
Premier League: Newcastle United 0-0 Fulham

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Head-to-Head (Premier League):

2007/2008: Birmingham City 1-1 Newcastle United
2007/2008: Newcastle United 2-1 Birmingham City
2005/2006: Birmingham City 0-0 Newcastle United
2005/2006: Newcastle United 1-0 Birmingham City
2004/2005: Newcastle United 2-1 Birmingham City
2004/2005: Birmingham City 2-2 Newcastle United
2003/2004: Birmingham City 1-1 Newcastle United
2003/2004: Newcastle United 0-1 Birmingham City
2002/2003: Newcastle United 1-0 Birmingham City
2002/2003: Birmingham City 0-2 Newcastle United

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Statistics (Premier League):

Birmingham City

League Position: 16th
Win-Draw-Lose: 3-9-5 (Home: 3-4-1)
Form: DWDDL (Home: LWDWD)
Goal Difference: 17-20 (Home: 8-6)
Top Goalscorer: Craig Gardner (4)

Newcastle United

League Position: 8th
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-4-7 (Away: 3-1-4)
Form: DLDLW (Away: LWWLL)
Goal Difference: 27-26 (Away: 8-15)
Top Goalscorer: Andy Carroll (10)

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Match Prediction: Draw – 3.30 Victorchandler

It would appear the Birmingham players were the ones who actually cancelled their own Christmas bash and not manager Alex McLeish, although we’re still happy to cast him as the role of Scrooge for allowing their decision to stand. But it should prove a good decision by everyone at Birmingham. The players clearly recognise that they haven’t deserved any party and that all their attention must be on business and driving the Blues further up the table, away from the dreaded relegation zone, where they currently find themselves hovering directly above with defeat at the weekend almost certain to see them spend a spell inside the bottom three.

Newcastle’s impressive victory over Liverpool last weekend at St James’ Park was more down to Liverpool’s lack of application, as per usual, than anything outstanding they did so while some fans may little themselves get carried with the euphoria, we’re keeping our feet firmly on the ground as far as Newcastle are concerned. In fairness, the players’ response to the recent managerial change was second to none, with Kevin Nolan leading by example with the first goal before everyone else in the team rallied. However, there were several periods of the game were the Magpies just nodded off, as they’ve done in so many of their matches this season, and with Birmingham’s attitude and application more times than not spot-on, they’ll be a popular punt over the course of the weekend. However, Magpies boss Alan Pardew will welcome back his predecessor’s first-choice centre-half partnership for the trip to Birmingham and that could be enough, providing that Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll, the core of the team works hard, to squeeze a point out of a tough away outing.

Match Odds:

Birmingham City – 2.40 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.30 Victorchandler
Newcastle United – 3.20 PaddyPower

Wolves V Birmingham City

Kick-off: Sunday, 12th December – 13:30 (GMT)
Venue: Molineux

Wolves

Mick McCarthy, always at one with comedy, made me chuckle this week when claiming that he’s willing to watch his side play ugly if it means picking up priceless points. The Midlands outfit find themselves second from bottom in the table and were even rock-bottom for 24 hours last weekend, before West Ham spared their blushes by losing the following day. But it seems the Wolves boss is willing to ditch Samba-esque football if it means more points being registered over the festive period. The former Republic of Ireland manager clearly isn’t phased about being branded THAT manager of THAT ugly Premier League side – Taking one for the team, eh Mick?

Jokes aside, and the above was one of our lame attempts at comedy – I guess I should leave that to Mick himself. Wolves are in a spot of bother, bother being a light-hearted way of summing up a pretty shoddy situation. Their emphatic defeat away to Blackburn Rovers last weekend put memories of a jubilant yet rare league win at home to Sunderland the week before right to the back of everyone’s mind, with the focus now reverting back to the many defeats Wolves have collected this season. It’s now five in six, ten in sixteen overall. However, those eager to see some glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel can at least take solace from Wolves’ half-decent record at home this season, where Molineux has been treated to all three of the team’s league victories this season, as well as having endured just three of the ten defeats inflicted upon them by their merciless opponent’s.

Molineux has in fact been the home of magic in recent weeks, with Wolves having scored five in their previous two Molineux outings. The club will be ringing up all those who attended both games against Bolton and Sunderland asking to pay for the flood of goals they weren’t supposed to see. But it could also be a sign, not like David Blaine’s scribble in the hand sort of thing, an actual sign that the tables are beginning to turn. Their opponent’s on Sunday are that of Birmingham City, a side not renowned for their scoring expertise, even less on their travels, and so if Wolves were to continue in the same scoring vein then they would be guaranteed the win. At least that would be the case had their defence been in order, as while Molineux has been treated to a five goals in two matches, the away fans have also been fortunate to see just as many goals find the back of the Wolves net. And just like David Blaine, there never really was any magic in the first place.

Mick McCarthy will again be without a whole host of first-team figures, as many as seven in actual fact, although he does at least have Steven Fletcher back in contention after the Scotland international spent the last fortnight tucked up in bed with a virus. Can Fletch-dinho inspire the Premier League’s equivalent of Brazil to victory or will Wolves be exposed for what they really are – Dull, unsophisticated Wolves.

Birmingham City

Blues boss Alex McLeish claims selecting the starting XI has been made that much tougher following Craig Gardner’s scoring-return from suspension, with the Scot landing himself in pickle as to start with either Nikola Zigic up front with Cameron Jerome in a 4-4-2 formation or a 4-5-1 formation with Garnder in midfield. It all seems basic maths to me.

It would appear as though we’re now waiting on the decision on whether Alex McLeish opts for a more offensive formation, with Nikola Zigic up top, or with a more cautions but more well-round 4-5-1 formation, with Craig Gardner slotting into midfield alongside the ever consistent Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer. For starters, Gardner, despite playing in a much deeper role than Zigic, whom is supposedly a striker, has double the amount of Premier League goals than the waste of space Serbian, and at 20ft tall he literally is taking up too much space. Secondly, Birmingham played in a 4-42 formation in the Carling Cup against Aston Villa, at home, and were outplayed despite winning 2-1. They then tried 4-5-1 last weekend against Tottenham, a side in red-hot form, and they managed to scramble a 1-1 draw from it, with Gardner scoring the winner, ironically from the header of Nikola Zigic. Even so, you’re getting a more compact formation at a venue where you’re bound to require numbers in the centre of park, not to mention Gardner sheds blood and tears for the cause, unlike Zigic, who just floats about up top and looks pretty. Scratch the last part!

I suppose, considering Wolves have neither been one nor the other in front of goal or at the back, McLeish is justified in his quandary. I’m almost certain he’ll go for five in midfield though in order to try and boss the midfield and dominate the game, to try and impose themselves on a side in terrible form. But Birmingham themselves don’t exactly arrive in the Midlands boasting formidable form. It’s sturdy, as is the norm with Birmingham these days, with a hard-fought win at home to Chelsea the obvious highlight, but they’ve been second best in each of their last six league contests, seven if you include their smash and grab win in the Carling Cup. A combination of luck and a fiery determination not to lose matches is makes Birmingham such a difficult opponent. However they are far from unbeatable and it would be typical for a side like Wolves, a team in dire shape, situated second from bottom in the table, losers in five of their last six league matches and bringing with them a host of injuries to be the ones which finally lay the Blues to rest.

If Birmingham are to lose before Christmas which we suspect they might, then it is surely to come on their travels where they’re clearly a lot more vulnerable. At St Andrews, Birmingham have suffered just one defeat in eight as opposed to the three in eight on the road. They’re also yet to win away from home this season, but the fact they’ve drawn five of eight away games is all you need to know really. Alex McLeish sets his side up to defend in numbers away from home, and it has been poor defensive displays, rare ones at that, which have cost them valuable away spoils this season, with two of their three away defeats suffered the direct symptoms of conceding three goals in a single outing. And Wolves are in decent scoring nick, too.

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Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):

Wolves

Premier League: Blackburn Rovers 3-0 Wolves
Premier League: Wolves 3-2 Sunderland
Premier League: Blackpool 2-1 Wolves
Premier League: Wolves 2-3 Bolton Wanderers
Premier League: Wolves 0-2 Arsenal

Birmingham City

Premier League: Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa
Premier League: Birmingham City 1-0 Chelsea
Premier League: Manchester City 0-0 Birmingham City
Premier League: Stoke City 3-2 Birmingham City

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Head-to-Head (Premier League ONLY):

2009/2010: Birmingham City 2-1 Wolves
2009/2010: Wolves 0-1 Birmingham City
2003/2004: Birmingham City 2-2 Wolves
2003/2004: Wolves 1-1 Birmingham City

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Statistics (Premier League ONLY):

Wolves

League Position: 19th
Win/Draw/Lose: 3-3-10 (Home: 3-2-3)
Form: LLLWL (Home: DWLLW)
Goal Difference: 17-30 (Home: 12-13)
Top Goalscorer: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (4)

Birmingham City

League Position: 14th
Win/Draw/Lose: 3-9-4 (Away: 0-5-3)
Form: LDWDD (Away: LDLDD)
Goal Difference: 17-19 (Away: 9-13)
Top Goalscorer: Craig Gardner (4)

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Match Odds

Wolves – 2.50 PaddyPower
Draw – 3.30 Coral
Birmingham City – 3.20 VCbet

Birmingham City V Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday, 4th December – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: St Andrews

Birmingham City

The Blues were in triumphant mood during the week and will arrive at St Andrews for their second competitive fixture in less than four days buoyed by their progress in the Carling Cup, where Birmingham didn’t just glide through to the semi-finals but eliminated their arch-rivals in the process. However, a small amount of that success was tarnished by the actions of those inside the stadium, with the Birmingham fans largely to blame for what was unpleasant scenes inside St Andrews, and instead of much of the focus falling on a team on the cusp of a rare appearance in a major final, the majority of the limelight on Saturday will be on the fans and how they apply themselves following Wednesday night’s antics.

Nikola Zigic, the Serbian international with a big reputation for being extremely difficult to defend against because of his extraordinary height, has taken a while to adjust to the English game and didn’t score his first goal for the club until the middle of October. To be honest, he hasn’t exactly been a force to be reckoned with since, but the aerial beast became an instant hero on Wednesday as his winning goal late on ensured it was Birmingham who went through to the semi’s at the expense of the club’s fiercest rivals, Aston Villa. However, Zigic’s last league goal came a little over a month ago and despite his formidable aerial advantage, hasn’t been a striker to keep on the right side since completing his move to St Andrews over the summer.

Another player now enjoying a decent vein of scoring form is midfielder Sebastian Larsson, who scored in the 1-1 draw away to Fulham last weekend as well as opening the scoring from the spot in midweek against Aston Villa. But Birmingham on the whole are in a much healthier situation for a change, with the Blues on the verge of equalling their longest unbeaten streak of the season and we all know how difficult Birmingham can be once they settle themselves down and have a record to protect. Moreover, we shouldn’t forget that while Birmingham have only conjured three league wins all season, all three came at St Andews and that Alex McLeish has seen his team lose just one of their previous 21 home matches in the Premier League.

Time for some bad news, or a case of McLeish knows best, as while the Birmingham treatment hasn’t been overflowing this season, they could be without a number of influential players for Saturday’s home match with Spurs. Craig Gardner, the team’s joint-leading scorer in the league and one of the star performers under Alex McLeish this season, is a major doubt with an ankle injury while Alexander Hleb and Sebastian Larsson are both doubts as well after failing to last the fill 90 minutes against Fulham and Aston Villa respectively. All three are key midfield components and up against the likes of Wilson Palacios, Luka Modric or Jermaine Jenas, McLeish can ill-afford to be without any of the aforementioned players, let alone the possibility of all three.

Tottenham Hotspur

Dare we say it or even begin to believe it, but Tottenham are threatening to add some consistency to their armoury. Their euphoric success in Europe in what is their maiden campaign in the Champions League has now gone hand-in-hand with a steadily improving league campaign which seen them go through the whole of November without losing a fixture. Now in fifth position and just six points shy of leaders Manchester United, even the supporters are daring to dream about the possibility of clinching their first Premier League title, a feat which seemed unimaginable before Harry Redknapp joined the London outfit nearly two years ago.

However, it’s so important the fans get a sense of perspective as while everyone at the club matches their ambition, with Redknapp stating on more than one occasion that his side are most definitely title contenders, it’s vital that everyone, fans included, keep their feet well and truly grounded as within the blink of an eye, a promising season can go completely array if you don’t keep your eye on the ball and focus on the very next assignment placed in front of you. Furthermore, fans need to understand that the club has come a long way in these last two years under Harry Redknapp’s influence, with the club succeeding everyone’s expectations despite boasting one of the most dynamic squads in the country.

We won’t deter any Spurs fans from dreaming, in fact the ambition and drive from the supporters should prove beneficial as Tottenham have been a team who often require a kick up the backside in order to kick on and fulfil their exceedingly high potential. And as we mentioned before, Redknapp is close to achieving the unthinkable at White Hart Lane, which is to add continuity in results to their repertoire. Should he do so then Tottenham Hotspur would become a serious play in this intriguing race for the title, especially considering Harry has spent the entire campaign tinkering his squad, with injuries hampering his team selections every single week. While a clean bill of health is still to be achieved at Spurs, with the likes of Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Tom Huddlestone remaining long-term absentee’s, it’s a frightening thought to think that Spurs could find themselves in touch come say February next year at a time when, hopefully, Harry Redknapp will have a fully fit squad to pick from, and it’s a squad boasting so many unique and wonderful options.

The task at hand for the current Spurs crop, those actually available for selection, is to ensure the team stay in touch with the leading protagonists. With fifteen rounds of the league completed and Spurs just six points off the leaders under testing circumstances, they’ve done a miraculous job. However, it is trips to venues such as Birmingham’s St Andrews which ultimately define a team’s chances of glory but also their character. Tottenham displayed an abundance of the stuff in trips to Stoke and Fulham earlier in the season, when grounding out six invaluable points, but their away record on the whole isn’t that great (W:3 D:1 L:3) not to mention their exposed defensive record of having conceded eight goals in just their last three away league encounters.

However, their last result may well prove to be the catalyst Spurs are in need of in order to build a platform upon which to mount a strong enough case to be touted as possible Premier League winners. A stunning comeback at the Emirates, coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in an extraordinary affair, was to be the first of three sensational results which would turn Spurs into a dark horse in the Champions League, after sailing through to the knock-outs and on the verge of nailing top spot in their group, as well as enhancing their claims for a serious title challenge with a hard-fought win over Liverpool at White Hart Lane. The atmosphere in the dressing room and in training should be second to none, probably even unrivalled in the Premier League right now. So on the basis of a buoyant, confident dressing room and an impressive run of league form, surely Spurs have enough going for them to justify their rather slim odds at fortress St Andrews?

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Form

Birmingham City

Carling Cup: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa

Premier League: Fulham 1-1 Birmingham City

Premier League: Birmingham City 1-0 Chelsea

Premier League: Manchester City 0-0 Birmingham City

Premier League: Stoke City 3-2 Birmingham City

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool

Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Weder Bremen

Premier League: Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 Blackburn Rovers

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Sunderland

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Statistics (Premier League ONLY)

Birmingham City

League Position: 5th

Win/Draw/Lose: 3-8-4 (Home: 3-3-1)

Goal Difference: 16-18 (Home: 7-5)

Form: DLDWD (Home: DLWDW)

Top Goalscorer: Cameron Jerome, Craig Gardner, Liam Ridgewell (3)

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th

Win/Draw/Lose: 7-4-4 (Away: 4-3-1)

Goal Difference: 23-20 (Away: 10-12)

Form: LDWWW (Away: LWLLW)

Top Goalscorer: Rafael Van Der Vaart (6)

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Hot & Cold Bets

Hot:

Time of Last Goal: 73rd Min + (1.90 PaddyPower) – We could be in for some late drama at St Andrews this weekend, with the last four meetings between the two sides producing a goal in stoppage time (90+ Min).

Under 2.5 Goals (1.85 Bet365) - Birmingham’s St Andrews stadium has seen just twelve league goals scored this season, with five of the eight matches at home of the Blues finishing with less than 3 goals.

Tottenham to come from Behind and WIN (7.00 PaddyPower) – Tottenham are the comeback masters: coming from behind to pick up a result on seven occasions this season, with four being wins.

Cold:

Tottenham Hotspur to WIN (2.15 BetFred) - Flying high and enjoying a memorable campaign on all fronts maybe, but Spurs do have their flaws. The first being the fact they’ve registered just one win outside of London all season, the second being Birmingham’s impeccable record at home in the league having lost just one of their last 21 matches at St Andrews.

Tottenham Hotspur to keep a Clean Sheet (3.40 StanJames) - Since holding Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane on the opening day of the season, Spurs haven’t kept a clean sheet in the league (14 Matches).

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Match Prediction: Draw – 3.50 VCbet

On the back of such an incredible run which has seen them end their long wait for a north London detby success over in Arsenal’s backyard, to clinching qualification in the UEFA Champions League with a game to spare to then recording their third successive home league win over former English greats Liverpool even though they were nowhere near their best and were never deserving winners. But consistency is beginning to creep into their game with regards to winning results and with the fans and everyone inside the club now genuinely of the belief that they do have what it takes to challenge for the title itself, perhaps now we will see a Tottenham side heading out onto that pitch fired up and gunning for every available point.

While they may be a stand-out side in the form book, I’m not entirely confident Spurs will be a popular selection with you guys over the weekend. The fact they’ve won just once outside of London all season makes for startling reading, while it would be easy to forget Birmingham’s outstanding home form over the last twelve or so months which has seen them lose just one of their last 21 home matches in the Premier League. And on the back of their Carling Cup quarter-final success, we’re backing the Blues to squash Tottenham’s title enthusiasm, for now at least.

Match Odds

Birmingham City - 3.75 VCbet

Draw – 3.50 VCbet

Tottenham Hotspur - 2.20 Coral

Fulham V Birmingham City

Saturday, 27th November – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Craven Cottage

Fulham

League Position: 17th
League Form: WDLDL

After conceding the battle with former employer’s Manchester City last weekend, Fulham boss Mark Hughes will look in the direction of a Birmingham City side who haven’t won away from home in the league in their last twelve matches for inspiration. Despite heading into the clash with cash-laden City unbeaten in their last two home matches, Fulham were no match for a City team lavished with supposedly world-class players. In fact, Fulham were mere spectators for the most part, enjoying very little of the possession at times and spending the majority of the game on the back foot.

Hughes would quite easily concede that last Sunday’s performance was the worst he’s overseen in his three months in charges, and the Welshman will demand a lot more from his players, some industry and endeavour amongst other things, as the team as a whole seek some instant salvation this weekend. However, their form of late has taken a nose-dive while the Whites are now without a league win for nearly a month, since comfortably beating Wigan Athletic 2-0 right at the very end of last month. Wins have been at a premium all season to be honest, just two in total, and although Fulham have retained some of their awkward, resilient qualities instilled in them by former manager Roy Hodgson, the new man at the helm, Mark Hughes, has so far failed in his quest to add some guile and cutting edge to Fulham’s attack, one which has conjured just two goals in the whole of November thus far (4 Matches).

The irony is, Fulham’s slump in form, having collected just two points from their previous four league matches, has come at a time when Hughes had the luxury of picking from a number of strikers, as opposed to earlier in the season when Fulham didn’t have a recognised striker in sight but still managed to go their opening seven encounter unbeaten. You could argue that the return of Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson from injury has meant the group has dispersed a little, with that feeling of everyone must rally around one another in this hour of need having clearly diminished along with their, Demebele and Johnson, respective injuries.

Man City were another side to have highlight a rather obvious flaw of Fulham’s which is they allow too many chances to be created against them. During their seven-match unbeaten start to the season, Fulham were riding their luck at the back, with goalkeepers David Stockdale and Mark Schwarzer often bailing them out of trouble with some stunning saves. However, the luck seems to have run out and in turn the points have dried up. The Cottagers are currently enduring a dour period of form, picking up very little points, conceding far too many chances and not posing anywhere near enough problems for opposition defences. As a result, we just don’t see any value in backing Mark Hughes’ Fulham side this weekend even though they’re unbeaten in their last three meetings with the Blues from Birmingham.

Hot: Fulham to Score Exactly 1 Goal – 2.50 BlueSquare

Had you backed Fulham to score exactly 1 goal in each of their fourteen league matches this season, you would have been rewarded with a winning bet on six occasions.

Cold: Fulham to WIN – 2.10 PaddyPower

The Cottagers have managed just two wins all season and against a resilient Birmingham side, Fulham are probably best left well alone.

Birmingham City

League Position: 15th
League Form: DDLDW

Birmingham have the chance to put a bit of breathing space between them and the dreaded relegation zone on Saturday up against a Fulham side who are enduring a disappointing run of form,though the Blues are without an away win in the league since March and have conjured just one win on the road in the Premier League in sixteen away matches in 2010. However, hopes of an upturn in away fortunes are rightly high amongst supporters after watching their team battle to a well-deserved 1-0 win over league leaders Chelsea last Saturday.

A result which will rate amongst the biggest shocks of the 2010/2011 Premiership season, Birmingham produced a performance of real grit and togetherness to shut-out a previously free-scoring Chelsea en route to a famous victory. Goalkeeper Ben Foster, who featured for England earlier in the week, was one of the stars on show although every single Blues player can be proud of their achievements, the defence especially, as it was one of those typically valiant efforts at the back from Birmingham which we were so used to seeing last season, when the Blues were one of the toughest nuts to crack and went in to surprise everyone with their top-ten finish.

Unfortunately, one heroic effort against the reigning champions only rewards three points and with Alex McLeish having to oversee Saturday’s fixture in the knowledge that his team are just three places above the drop-zone, the Scot will no full well that his side can ill-afford to rest on their laurels. McLeish will be demanding more of the same at the weekend, although much of the prep talk will be on his defence. Ben Foster & Co were outstanding a week ago, but we haven’t seen enough of Birmingham’s defensive resilience this season. Quite the opposite in fact, with the Blues having shipped seven more away from home than at St Andrews. On the plus side, McLeish has seen his side keep two clean sheets in their last three away matches and on the back on the backdrop of a stunning result over Chelsea, the Scot will no doubt have every confidence in his players registering their first away win of the season at a venue and against an opponent they haven’t beaten in their last three away matches.

Hot: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.30 WilliamHill

Although renowned for their strong defensive qualities, Birmingham have been involved in five away matches this season which have produced 3 or more goals (5/7).

Cold: Birmingham City to WIN – 4.00 Bet365

The Blues have won just once on the road in the Premier League in 2010 and are without a win in their last twelve away encounters.

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.30 Ladbrokes

On paper, there isn’t a lot to choose between them. In fact, the more you study the statistics, as well as their anticipated game plans and strategies, the more you begin to warm to the draw. Fulham have been the draw specialists all season, drawing eight of their opening fourteen matches, while Birmingham’s resilient nature will make them equally tough to beat at Craven Cottage. Neither side has been scoring a great deal either, so another stalemate at the Cottage wouldn’t be a huge surprise.

Match Odds:

Fulham – 2.10 PaddyPower
Draw – 3.30 Ladbrokes
Birmingham City – 4.00 Bet365