Prediction: Birmingham vs Fulham

14th May 2011

Just few weeks ago it looked as though Brum would have no problems ensuring survival, but after taking just one point from their last four games, Birmingham need a win over Fulham to avoid the drop. The Cottagers ended the good run of results as they were beaten at home by Liverpool and we are yet to see if they will be able to bounce back.

While Birmingham were far from impressive in the first part of the season, their poor showings since the turn of the year are clearly a result of the impressive Carling Cup campaign that brought the Blues a lot of problems along with the coveted trophy. With Alex McLeish using a small number of players, Brum were always going to suffer the ill effects of the busy schedule and that this is the main reason why they have yet to secure their place in next year’s Premiership campaign. After the good run of results saw them beat Bolton and Sunderland at home, Birmingham took just one point from their last four games, with the defeat to Newcastle especially disappointing. The first half penalty for Newcastle and the subsequent red card to Liam Ridgewell clearly changed the game, but seeing that Brum had failed to create any chances before the incident hint that they could have problems breaking a very organized Fulham side. The Blues will also be without several important players in Gardner, Ridgewell, Dann, Martins, McFadden and Taylor, while Nikola Zigic remains a doubt.

Fulham have experienced problems of their own at the start of the season, which was hardly surprising considering that Mark Hughes had just taken over from Roy Hodgson. The Welshman needed some time to make this team his own, but once the transition period was over we could again see the Fulham we are all used to. The Cottagers kept climbing the Premiership standings thanks to the amazing showings at their Craven Cottage, although the continued to struggle on the travels, with their recent victory over Sunderland only the second away win of the season. The good run of results ended on Monday as Fulham conceded some cheap goals to lose 5:2 to Liverpool, but the Cottagers are unlikely to be too downhearted by the result. Mark Hughes’ side will now be looking to avoid defeat at St Andrew’s and thus possible remain in the top part of the table, but they will have to do so without Baird, Duff and Halliche, whereas Davies, Gera and Zamora have yet to prove their fitness.

Conclusion

Boasting the worst scoring record in the league and missing the starting attacking partnership, Birmingham will struggle to break very good Fulham side, so nobody would be surprised if this match finish goalless. Therefore, my advice is to bet on draw.

Verdict: Draw (X)

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: Paddy Power