Premier League preview: Birmingham v Man Utd

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish hopes his players’ professionalism will hold them in good stead ahead of their clash with Manchester United.

McLeish’s side have not played for more than two weeks after their matches against Newcastle and Everton were postponed because of the freezing conditions in England.

But McLeish said the disruption to their schedule would not have an adverse effect on their game come Tuesday.

“Due to our home game against Newcastle last weekend having been postponed due to adverse weather conditions we have now not played for a fortnight,” McLeish said.

“The professionalism of these players is second to none and, after the initial disappointment, they insisted on getting back to Birmingham for a training session.

“This will of course now lead to a fixture backlog and that will be a challenge but after what this group of players have shown in terms of their attitude, dedication and professionalism I certainly wouldn’t back against them.”

Birmingham have slipped to 17th on the Premier League table after their Boxing Day fixture against Everton was postponed, but they will not be overawed against their big name opponents on Tuesday having already defeated reigning champions Chelsea earlier this season.

The Blues have conceded only four goals more than their opponents on Tuesday, but their return of 17 goals from 17 games will be of real concern to McLeish.

McLeish has few injury worries heading into the match, with Alexander Hleb and James McFadden his only first-choice players who are unavailable.

Manchester United come into the match after a comfortable 2-0 win over Sunderland on Boxing Day in a game Sir Alex Ferguson admitted they had struggled to get into top gear.

But the veteran manager believes his side is close to finding their best football.

“We’re coming to good form,” Ferguson said. “In the last few weeks we’ve played some very good stuff and they’re getting that consistency – particularly defending.”

“We’re really looking solid at the back and these are good signs for us, and it’s an important time to get that.”

Paul Scholes and Antonio Valencia are still out with injury, but Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov will be a certain starter after he scored the winning double against Sunderland.