Birmingham Latics Preview

Latics go into the game at St.Andrews against home side Birmingham with an almost identical record to their hosts

Both teams have played 10 games with two wins, 2 draws and 6 loses, also both sides have scored 8 goals, the only statistic to separate the sides is Birmingham have conceded fewer goals, 13 to Latics 14.

Chris Hutchings and opposing manager Steve Bruce will both have identified this game as one that they can win, so hopefully there should be some attacking football on show for the fans

Both managers are under pressure, this week Latics chairman Dave Whelan came out in the press and said he wasn`t happy at the way the season had started, whilst Steve Bruce feels his job may be under threat due to Birmingham City about to get a new owner

Birmingham have lost their last three games and Latics their last four, so both sides will be looking to a turn around in form

Michael Brown is one booking away from suspension

Dave Whelan:

'I cant stand watching a side that does not give 100% effort'

'Very disappointing start to the season'

Chris Hutchings:

'The chairman is very passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve'

'We always look to take the possitives out of games'

Sebastian Larsson seems to have recovered from illness to take his place in the Birmingham midfield

Birminghams leading goal scorer with 3 goals, the former Cardiff striker is a bit of an enigma but on his day can be a class act

Former Birmingham player Mario Melchiot is expected to take up the right back spot after recovering from a thigh strain

Antonio Valencia should start on the right of midfield having trained all week without reaction to his swollen knee

Antoine Sibierski is doubtful with a sore shoulder/back

Former Birmingham striker Emile Heskey is still out with a broken foot

Pacey, skillful and direct, just what the Latics have been missing these past few weeks whilst Valencias been injured

Last Premiership meeting at St.Andrews

Monday 02/01/2005

Birmingham City 2-0 Latics

Scorers: Pennant 20 mins, Melchiot 33 mins

Steve Tanner (Taunton)

Refereed the Latics once already this season, the 1-0 home win against Middlebrough

Tanner Card Count:

4 matches 14 yellow 0 red

Heart says Latics 1-0

Head says 1-1

Latics Vs Chelsea

Venue - JJB

Time - 3pm

Date - Saturday 3rd November 2007

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