Blues host Stuart Gray’s inform Sheffield Wednesday side next at St.Andrews for the second home game in 3 days. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Leeds on Saturday, Clark’s Blues will be raring to come back strong and maintain their unbeaten home record this season.
Sheffield Wednesday have started relatively strong and sit in 12th place with 2 wins out of 6 and a total of 9 points, which is 3 more than Blues who are on 6 points.
The reverse result of this fixture was a comfortable 4-1 win for Blues last September when Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard scored all 4 to cap a memorable debut. However, the last time Blues and Wednesday met, it ended in another 4-1 score line but this time in favour of Sheffield.
Vital Quotes:
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Birmingham City Team News:
18 year old Koby Arthur who has recently been recalled by Cheltenham will be drafted into Lee Clark’s matchday squad. Attackers Lee Novak (knee), Denny Johnstone (thigh) and Matt Green (knee) are all ruled out through injury along with midfielder Olly Lee.
On loan Tottenham centre back Grant Hall will be doubtful after being forced to come off at half time due to injury during the 1-1 draw against Leeds. New signing and American international Brek Shea has said that he ‘needs to improve his match fitness in order to make a real impact’.
Player to watch: Demarai Gray
Young Demarai had a great impact from the bench on Saturday and he could do the same again, possibly breaking onto the score sheet.
Sheffield Wednesday Team News:
Captain Glenn Loovens will be available to start after completing his suspension and is expected to start. Midfielders Kieran Lee (groin) and Chelsea loanee Sam Hutchinson (back) are both doubtful.
Former Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe could make his full debut after coming on as a 61st minute sub on Saturday in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw away at Bolton. Right back Lewis Buxton will be hoping to make his first start of the season.
Player to watch: Royston Drenthe
Players to watch for Sheffield Wednesday will be exciting winger Royston Drenthe who signed from Reading recently and Serbian striker Atdhe Nuhiu who has bagged 4 goals in 7 games so far.
Match Facts & Stats
– Sheffield Wednesday won the last meeting 4-1 at Hillsborough in March.
– Birmingham have won only one of the last four meetings. Their only win since 2011 was 4-1 at St. Andrew’s in September last season.
– Birmingham have won five of the last six meetings at St. Andrew’s in all competitions, drawing the other one. Sheffield Wednesday’s last win there was 2-1 in the old Division One in March 2001.
Match Prediction:
I think Blues will struggle on Tuesday and would be lucky to win. I’m going for a 2-2 draw. Keep Right On and COME ON YOU BLUES!
Next Fixtures:
20 Sept – Norwich – Championship – 15:00 (H)
27 Sept – Fulham – Championship – 15:00 (H)
30 Sept – Millwall – Championship – 19:45 (A)
04 Oct – Charlton – Championship – 15:00 (A)