On Sky
The first game back from international break will be played at Birmingham’s St.Andrews as the Blues host a managerless Leeds United. Both teams will be going into the game with a disappointing start to the season behind their backs. Blues suffered a 4-0 thrashing to Wigan at the DW stadium the last time they played, whereas Leeds were triumphant in a 1-0 home victory versus Bolton. Leeds sit two places above Birmingham in 18th, one point above Blues.
Blues will be hoping to secure their second league win of the season, with their only previous win against Brighton and Hove Albion. The last game at St.Andrews was in the FA Cup where Lee Clark’s men suffered an unjustified 3-0 loss to Premier League outfit Sunderland, however, Blues are unbeaten in the league at home so far and can hopefully carry this run on tomorrow.
The last meeting between the two sides was a crunch game at St.Andrews in which Blues were fighting for relegation survival, but unfortunately lost the game 3-1 as their dire home record carried on. The other result last season was an embarrassing 4-0 rout at Elland Road. This time round however, Leeds will be missing key players via the departures of strikers Ross McCormack, who scored 31 goals last season and aerial threat, Matt Smith.
Going into the game, Clark’s men are odds on to grab the three points with Leeds at 5/2 and a draw at 2/1. The game will aired live on Sky Sports at 12.15.
Vital Quotes:
Birmingham City Team News:
Notable injuries for Blues are Lee Novak (knee), Denny Johnstone (thigh), Olly Lee (hamstring), Gavin Gunning (knee) and Matt Green (knee). New loan signing from Stoke City, Brek Shea, will be hoping to make his first start who signed on an emergency three month loan deal on Thursday.
Player to watch: Brek Shea
Blues new boy may have a point to prove after being loaned out again by Stoke.
He may be wanting a permanent move away from the Britannia as now it looks like he isn’t wanted there.
Leeds United Team News:
Leeds could give a debut to midfielder Adryan who joined on a season-long from Brazilian side Flamengo.
Midfielder Luke Murphy and defender Sam Byram remain suspended, while striker Souleymane Doukara (ankle) may play. – BBC
Player to watch: Sam Byram
Sam Byram is a quality home grown player for Leeds who could do wonders for them and their supporters.
Match Facts & Stats
Leeds won the last meeting 3-1 at St. Andrew’s in April.
Birmingham have won only one of the last five meetings in all competitions. Their only win since October 2012 was 1-0 at home in the Championship in April last year.
Leeds have won two of their last three visits to St. Andrew’s in all competitions – they also won 2-1 here in the FA Cup in January last year.
BBC
Match Prediction:
I think that Blues will be able to overcome Leeds this weekend but the result will be close and I’m calling a 2-1 result. Keep Right On and COME ON YOU BLUES!
Next Fixtures:
16 September – Sheffield Wednesday – Championship – 19:45 (H)
20 September – Norwich – Championship 15:00 (A)
27 September – Fulham – Championship – 15:00 (H)
30 September – Millwall – Championship – 19:15 (A)