Birmingham take on Brentford today in the Sky Bet Championship at Griffin park. The season is still young and both teams will be hoping to get more points on the board.
Newly promoted Brentford will be aiming to win their home games against anyone this season following the promotion momentum of last season. Additions such as Moses Odubajo has ensured that Mark Warburton’s side threaten at this level.
Brentford already have a win in the Championship, coming in a 2-1 win at Blackpool. Does that really count? or is everyone going to register that win this season.
Blues are looking quick, direct and expansive in attack this season. This will be their fourth game unbeaten should they avoid defeat.
Lee Clark’s men are certainly looking upwards following their start to the season. If Blues want to press up the table they must perform better than they did on the opening day against Middlesbrough.
Vital Quotes:
Lee Clark:
‘I’ve watched a couple of their games and they play really quick, good football. They commit bodies forward with their front three and two of the midfielders break their lines to get forward and they hit you with a lot of pace. We understand it’s going to be an extremely tough game but I think Brentford will be watching us thinking exactly the same.’
Mark Marburton
‘They will be a formidable test, They were unlucky not to get all three points against Ipswich Town, they were denied by a late equaliser.
We know about Clayton Donaldson and Wes Thomas down the middle and they have good pace on the wings with David Cotterill from Doncaster.
We recognise their strengths and will have to deal with them and then we can impose our strengths on the game.’
Brentford Team News:
Brentford have held onto their midfielder Adam Forshaw despite some interest from from Wigan; he has shaken off a hamstring injury for today.
Nico Yennaris is to be the subject of a late fitness test for the Bees after missing two games with a back injury
Player to watch: Moses Odubajo
Moses Odubajo is a new addition to Brentford, signed from Leyton Orient, the Bees did well to obtain him.
A potential problem for Blues on the wingers and when they commit players forward.
Birmingham City Team News:
Blues will be without Andrew Shinnie who still has a back strain.
Gavin Gunning went under the knife yesterday and will miss the rest of the season. Matt Green is still not fit.
Player to watch: Clayton Donaldson
Blues new front man has everything needed to be a formidable force in the Championship this year.
Already having opening his account, he may come back to haunt his former employers today.
Match Facts & Stats
Birmingham won the last meeting 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at St. Andrew’s in the League Cup in October 2010.
Birmingham have won the last four meetings in all competitions, since Brentford’s 3-1 win at St. Andrew’s in the old Division One in December 1992.
Birmingham are unbeaten in their last five visits to Brentford, winning three. Brentford’s last home win was 2-0 in the old Division Two in March 1954.
Match Prediction:
This new look Blues team could be a difficult match for anyone if they can continue their current form.
However the last time this team played away they were toothless.
If Clark goes for 4-4-2 I think we will continue in the same way as against Ipswich and will eventually edge the game away from Brentford 2-0.
Next Fixtures:
27 Aug 2014 – Sunderland – Capital One Cup – 19:45 – H
20 Aug 2014 – Wigan – Sky Bet Championship – 15:00 – A
13 Sep 2014 – Leeds – Sky Bet Championship – 12:15 – H