Birmingham City (h) preview
Has no relevancec to this
By John Georgiou
November 27 2009
This is unrelated, but why is every other football headline a pun? Doesn't half wind me up, two headlines on the OS- "Andrew's Sermon" and "Ikeme to stay sharp at blades", If I wanted my daily dose of wit watered down and delivered with the journalistic ingenuity of a plum I wouldn't be able to read the article in question because I'd be braindead. Not that I claim to be a journalist, of course.
Interestingly enough, ours is one of three huge local clashes along with Arsenal v Chelsea and Liverpool v Everton. Let's kick the derby weekend off with a bang then.
The way I'm seeing it, 3 points is the only reasonable expectation. I appreciate many aren't wanting to panic prematurely, but a home draw in the Premiership against anyone below the top 4 is 2 points wasted (you may make the argument that that is overambitious, but if you don't go into every home game confident of winning, well you went to pompey and hull). You don't expect more than a point away, and success for clubs in our situation almost without fail hinges on a solid home record. The opposition considered, this point makes itself. I'm sure some will not see it as the end of the world should we draw or even lose tomorrow, personally that sounds like damage limitation to me- come off it, you'd be as wound up as the rest of us and you know this is a must win. Is that too much pressure for the team? Tough. They wanted Premiership football, they certainly weren't shy in talking our chances up, and there's no time for fooling against quality. If there were ever a time to silence the critics, it's now. Step up lads.
That said, Birmingham look impressive. They're unbeaten in their last four, since the defeat at Arsenal they've won against Sunderland and Fulham, drawing at home to Manchester City and you could argue dropped 2 points at Anfield. They're not conceding easily, with clean sheets against City and Fulham, and Cameron Jerome of all players is in particularly inspired form, Ferguson adding to a competitive midfield and "Chucho" (if you think the name's stupid you want to have a good look at the mullet ) having got off the mark at Anfield, don't expect an easy encounter.
In spite of the last two results, I anticipate a much improved performance from the team, and I'm actually confident we'll win. Remember, we should have won at Everton, we drew against a good Villa side and got a credible point at the Britannia- we're no mugs. Up until a few days ago I thought Hoff would be worth bringing into the starting XI for SEB, but having read reserves reports he's not making much use of his height and still has alot of adjusting to do, which would explain his relative absence since signing. Either way, there's needs to be a shake up of some sort, as the last two games will no doubt have had a negative effect on the players. Not that I'm an expert, but I'd personally bring in Foley and Elokobi for Stearman/Halford, Milijas for Edwards as I feel we'll need actual technical ability as opposed to huff and puff against an experienced side, and possibly even bring in Keogh for SEB, who knows, Doyle may actually get a few clear-cut openings.
I've put 20 quid on a 2-1 win at 8/1. I'm confident. If you've a differing opinion/viewpoint/criticism as always it is welcome.
Enjoy the match.If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Wolves can't score at the moment and have a dodgy defence. Birmingham have a solid defence, a combative midfield and dangerous strikers.
If Henry has a bad game tomorrow and allows Blues to get control in midfield we could get turned over.
