Birmingham City will face a tough test on Sunday afternoon against Manchester City at St. Andrew`s. Birmingham marked their first home game under new owner Carson Yeung with excellent 2:1 victory against Sunderland and stopped a 3 match losing run in the league. Yeung has promised up to £40m for new signings in the New Year. They currently sit in 15th position just two points above relegation zone. Birmingham`s main problem this season is efficiency. They have scored only 8 goals in 10 games. Alex McLeish has several injury concerns ahead of this game. M. Bent (hamstring), M. Taylor (ankle), Espinoza (foot) and David Murphy (knee) are all probably out for the Blues. Also, Birmingham`s goalkeeper Joe Hart is unavailable as he is on loan from Manchester City. Gregory Vignal has recovered from a hamstring problem. All those injuries will cause some changes in team selection and with combined tactic it will be very difficult match.
Manchester City won a month ago last time in league
Manchester City are in the upper half of the Premier League table although they have not the best results lately. Mark Hughes couldn’t hide his disappointment in dropping 2 points against Fulham (2:2) after two goals lead and a couple of defensive mistakes. That was their third draw in a row after Wigan and Aston Villa. With Adebayor, Santa Cruz, Tevez, Gareth Barry etc, the visitors should have enough power to take new 3 points against recently promoted opponent. Their last meeting in the league was during the 2007-08 season. Birmingham won 3:1 in that encounter. Kolo Toure and Martin Petrov are available after missing the Carling Cup 5:1 win against Scunthorpe with minor injuries. City`s only absentees are Robinho and Onuoha. Also Wayne Bridge and Craig Bellamy should be back after being rested in midweek. Citizens have naturally very high expectations. Having in mind that City haven’t been able to keep a clean sheet for a while, it might be time for that.
“Citizens” will destroy Blues
Birmingham City and Manchester City have different targets at the end of the season but with the same motivation for this encounter to win. Mark Hughes will be desperate to get a win after disappointing run of three consecutive draws in the Premier League. Quality players from Manchester against fighters from Birmingham will produce interesting, competitive match. Birmingham injury problems and Citizens motivation to proof themselves should be enough for away win.
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Prediction:
Tip: 2
Odd: 1.90
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 6 /10
Tipster: Kather
