Albion missing Philips and Carter for blues clash.

By Tony Pollard.
October 27 2006

Albion Duo Kevin Philips (calf) and Darren Carter (hamstring)look to be the only two struggling to make the St Andrews clash on Saturday.

With a 3 - 0 victory over Wolves. And a defeat in the Carling cup at home to Arsenal 2 - 0 the week has seen mixed fortunes. Albion now go back on the road to St Andrews on saturday.

Albion defender Paul Mcshane who played in the defeat to Arsenal said, "We learned a lesson on Tuesday and hopefully now we can move on and keep our minds clear for the Birmingham game," he said.

"It's a big game. Birmingham are picking up some form, but we're in form as well.

"That performance against Arsenal was unfortunate, but we're flying in the League and we're determined to try and keep the ball rolling on Saturday.

"It could be our biggest test yet. It's a strong league. We've got to keep on our toes. We're just going to treat the game the same as any other and keep playing the way we are."

Meanwhile Albions new boss Tony Mowbray, has said, he will not be changing things "for the sake of it " . "I look at our team and the quality and individual talent we have got, the outstanding defenders we have got in our team, but I see also things where we can work on fine detail.

"But not go with a big sledgehammer and change things for the sake of it.

"That has got to be the goal, moving the club on and forward and being at the top end of the table for as long as we can this season."

Meanwhile Albions opponents on Saturday, have also picked up form with Steve Bruce saying that it is Albion who have the stronger side. he also added, "If we finish above West Brom then I think we will be promoted, I really do," said Bruce. "They are strong, powerful, they have hung on to all of their Premier League players.

"They've kept the nucleus of Bryan (Robson)'s squad and resisted the temptation to sell anybody. And they've also brought two or three quality players into the squad, like Hartson, Phillips and Perry.

"For me, they are the ones to beat. I know Cardiff have had a fantastic run and have done very, very well. But West Brom look a very good team."

So saturday it is. Two derby games on the trot and lets hope its a maximum of 6 pts.