4th March 2011
The confidence at Birmingham is sky-high following the Carling Cup triumph, but the Blues cannot afford to relax as they are still very close to Premier League relegation zone. West Brom climbed out of the bottom three as they salvaged a point against Stoke and they enter the Midlands derby hoping to end the six-match winless run.
Birmingham fans will have a cause for celebration regardless of how their side fair against bitter rivals, although the victory over West Brom would be a cherry on the cake after winning the Carling Cup trophy. Brum really excelled to beat Arsenal at Wembley last weekend, and even though they had a big help from the Gunners’ defence, we cannot say their victory was undeserved. Everybody at the club are hoping a historic success would have a positive effect on team’s Premier League campaign with Brum sitting just two points above the bottom three at the moment. Alex McLeish will certainly get his players to focus on this game and forget all about the Carling Cup glory and with his side on top of their game at the moment, everything suggests the Blues will continue the rich vein of form. The boss has serious doubts over Barry Ferguson and Craig Gardner, while Roger Johnson should be fit to play. James McFadden, Scott Dann and Enric Valles remain in the infirmary.
West Brom are still unable to end their poor run of results that saw them win just one out of last thirteen games, although the Baggies are showing signs of improvement. The run of three straight draws helped Roy Hodgson’s side leave the bottom three, but they will have to start winning soon if they want to remain above the drop zone. West Brom played really well against Stoke last weekend, especially after conceding the goal and they were very close to picking all three points after the impressive performance in the second half. This means that the Baggies will have something to build on before the clash with fierce rivals Birmingham in a match they simply cannot afford to lose. A defensive master that he is, Roy Hodgson is likely to adopt a cautious approach with his side more than happy with one point from St Andrew’s. Peter Odemwingie will be fit to play after shaking off a knock, but Graham Dorrans is a doubt.
Conclusion
Even though Birmingham are flying high at the moment, I don’t think the current form will play any part in a derby like this. Both sides will be under tremendous pressure to boost their survival hopes with a win, but there is a good chance they will cancel each other out.
Verdict: Draw (X)
Best Odds: 23/10
Bookmaker: Paddy Power
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