Premier League preview: Manchester United v Birmingham

Birmingham will travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday, aiming to win there for the first time since 1978.

The last two times the sides have clashed have been at St Andrews Ground, where United were held to a 1-1 draw on each occasion.

City’s last trek to Old Trafford ended in a 1-0 loss in August 2009, courtesy of a Wayne Rooney goal.

But Rooney has scored just two goals in the English Premier League this campaign and City manager Alex McLeish will no doubt be more worried by the prowess of league-leading goal scorer Dimitar Berbatov (14 goals), who has his eyes on a personal accomplishment this season.

“I hope I can stay on the top (of the scoring charts) until the end of the season. Obviously the goals I score help the team to win points, which is the most important thing,” the Bulgarian said.

“For now everything is going according to plan but there are other players doing well, and not just Carlos Tevez. It is a good competition but when you are at the top, you always look back to see who is coming behind you.”

United will be minus full-back Rafael, who was given a red card in the league-leaders’ scoreless draw with Tottenham.

Long-term injury absentees James McFadden and Scott Dann remain on the sidelines.