Many enlisted Birmingham among the main relegation candidates before the start of this season and once again it proved that it’s very tough to make such long-term predictions in football. Not only they’re not in crisis but they surpassed even the most optimistic expectations of all those who love this club. A win in tonight’s clash could take them to the 5th spot. Four wins in a row prove that they’re in excellent form and full of confidence. Coach McLeish is very satisfied with his players’ performances, and is expressing his hope they can continue with quality displays. What goes in favor of Birmingham is the fact they haven’t had any major injury or suspension worries for a while now, so coach McLeish can regularly field the best lineup in every game. However, long-term injured Murphy, Tainio and O’Connor are still sidelined. Their lineup could look like the following: Hart, Carr, Dann, Johnson, Ridgewell, Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, McFadden, Benitez, Jerome.
Tough
Blackburn isn’t playing too spectacular, but their toughness and team morale enables them to record the necessary results. The lack of quality is made up by the discipline and they’re now in the desired mid-table area. It’s very tough to play against them and it’s not surprising they entered the Carling Cup semifinals beside the good results in the Premiership. In their last 3 league matches, they played 3 goalless draws which clearly shows their tactics and the playing style used by their coach Allardyce. There’s no doubt they will play the same way tonight. They’re gonna want to neutralize the reborn Birmingham and get back home with a point again. In order to do something like that, they’re gonna have to prevent the hosts from scoring as scoring goals for Blackburn usually represents a big problem. They’re especially inefficient away where they scored only 5 goals in 8 matches. The situation will be even tougher tonight as Allardyce won’t be able to count on Dunn and Grella. Andrews is returning to the lineup but it’s possible young Hoilett will get a chance. Probable lineup: Robinson, Chimbonda, Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Hoilett, N’Zonzi, Andrews, Emerton, McCarthy, Di Santo.
Chess game
Although Birmignham is in an outstanding form and in a winning series, they will find it very tough to win tonight. Not cause Blackburn is playing some extraordinary football but due to the reason they’re playing totally defensive. Birmingham is also very careful in the attack, so we can expect very few goals in tonight’s clash. One goal could resolve the whole match, while I personally surely don’t expect more than two to be scored in total.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prediction:
Tip: Under 2.5
Odd: 1.70
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 7 /10
Tipster: Kather
