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Premier League Preview: Birmingham City - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves prepare to draw their fangs in Black Country derby...
6 Feb 2010 13:56:00
By David Middleton
Kick-off: Sunday, February 07, 13:30 GMT
St Andrews Stadium, Birmingham
Only nine months ago there were jubilant scenes throughout the West Midlands as both Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers achieved automatic promotion to the Premier League in contrasting fashions.
Wolves were crowned champions after out-gunning every other Championship club, while the Blues' more methodical approach saw them claim second spot with the meanest defence in the division.
This season it's been all too evident which side has adapted better to the rigours of the top-flight. Birmingham's seemingly impregnable rear-guard has lasted the course, making them the division's surprise package with the club's eighth place standing surpassing even manager Alex McLeish's expectations.
Consistency in selection has been their secret weapon. McLeish could field an unchanged starting XI for the 12th consecutive league game against his cross-city rivals on Sunday afternoon, something which has proved the bedrock of their success.
A hard-working cohesive unit, having never-say-die battlers such as Roger Johnson, Stephen Carr and Barry Ferguson continually available for selection - as well as Lee Bowyer rediscovering his best - has helped them maintain an impressive run of form.
The Blues have suffered just one defeat in their last 14 Premier League outings, only waving the white flag to table-toppers Chelsea recently. Last weekend Tottenham Hotspur almost sneaked away from St Andrews with a victory, only for Liam Ridgewell's last gasp equaliser to demonstrate further the club's admirable resilient streak.
Escaping from St Andrews with points has been particularly challenging for visitors this term. Birmingham have not lost on home soil since Bolton Wanderers triumphed there in late September, and thanks to Joe Hart's heroics between the posts, the club have only conceded seven times in front of their own supporters.
Wolves, though, do have one glimmer of hope as they travel the short distance to their Black Country neighbours. Birmingham's lack of fire-power has been evident all season, with a miserly 22 league goals forestalling their hopes of a European place.
It was widely anticipated that McLeish would exploit his £40 million transfer war-chest in January to capture offensive reinforcements, but they have failed to materialise.
However, with the club just two victories short of the magical 40-point safety net, sticking with what you've got, instead of gambling, is sometimes the wisest thing to do.
Although McLeish's men will avoid a relegation dog-fight this time around, Wolves are already bearing their teeth for such a scrap. Mick McCarthy's men sit just above the drop-zone on goal difference, find themselves bottom of the form table and are winless in their last five fixtures.
All the signs are pointing for a straight return to the Championship, especially after McCarthy labelled the midweek exit to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, as the worst performance he'd seen in three-and-a-half years.
Goals, or a lack of them, have been the crux of the problem. With a slimline 19 goals to point at, the club are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League, something which has come as a surprise to many. Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and Kevin Doyle – Wolves' main striking threats – struck 43 times between them in the Championship during 2008-09.
It's not all doom and gloom, though, for McCarthy. Wolves have often found their shooting boots away from home, rather than at Molineux, this season, and although they suffered heavy defeats on excursions to Sunderland, Chelsea and Manchester United, they do have the stomach for a fight. Draws at Everton, Stoke City and victory at Wigan Athletic being salient examples.
With the humbling at Palace aside, where McCarthy opted to rest a number of first team regulars, there has been an upturn in recent league form. Wolves held Liverpool to a goalless stalemate and came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw at Hull City last weekend. A reflection of progress in itself when you consider the 'Old Gold' had not scored in their previous four outings.
If there's one thing that is a cast iron certainty, though, it's that McCarthy won't let Wolves simply roll over. For all their huffing and puffing, the club have the second best away record in the bottom half, and although they haven't beaten Birmingham since 2001, avenging November's 1-0 reverse would be the perfect way to start their Houdini-esque escape from the drop.
FORM GUIDE
Birmingham City
30 Jan (Premier League) v Tottenham (H) DREW 1-1
27 Jan (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) LOST 3-0
23 Jan (FA Cup) v Everton (A) WON 2-1
12 Jan (FA Cup) v Nottm Forest (H) WON 1-0
09 Jan (Premier League) v Man United (H) DREW 1-1
Wolverhampton Wanderers
02 Feb (FA Cup) v Crystal Palace (A) LOST 3-1
30 Jan (Premier League) v Hull City (A) DREW 2-2
26 Jan (Premier League) v Liverpool (H) DREW 0-0
23 Jan (FA Cup) v Crystal Palace (H) DREW 2-2
16 Jan (Premier League) v Wigan (H) LOST 2-0
TEAM NEWS
Birmingham City
McLeish finds himself in the enviable position of being able to name an unchanged starting XI for the 12th consecutive Premier League game. However, after the Blues scraped a draw last weekend against Tottenham, the Scot conceded his players were looking jaded and a reshuffle could be just what the doctor ordered.
Although veteran striker Kevin Phillips has returned from a groin injury, Lee Carsley (ankle), Garry O'Connor (hip) and Teemu Tainio (knee) are still sidelined, while the game might be too soon for David Murphy (knee) and Stuart Parnaby (back).
Last starting XI (v Tottenham): Hart; Carr, Ridgewell, Johnson, Dann; Bowyer, Larsson, Ferguson, Jerome; Benitez, McFadden.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
McCarthy will be delighted to see the trio of Kevin Doyle, Matt Jarvis and Stephen Ward all shake-off leg injuries to return for the derby clash. Number one shot-stopper Marcus Hahnemann, who was rested for the midweek defeat to Crystal Palace, is also expected to return. And Adlene Guedioura, who joined on loan from Charleroi in midweek could be handed his debut.
David Edwards, Andrew Keogh and Michael Kightly are still sidelined through ankle injuries and Stefan Maierhofer is out with a groin strain.
Last starting XI (v Crystal Palace): Hennessey; Stearman, Craddock, Berra, Zubar; Mancienne, Foley, Henry, Milijas; Mujangi Bia, Vokes.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Birmingham City
A minutes' silence will be observed before the derby clash, after former Blues goalkeeper and manager Gil Merrick died on Thursday aged 88. The former England gloveman, who led Birmingham to their only major trophy in 1963, would have no doubt approved of current stopper Joe Hart.
The 22-year-old has been in scintillating form this term, conceding just 10 times in his last 14 games. His athleticism and dogged determination to keep strikers at bay has seen the Manchester City loanee top the division's goalkeepers with most saves made and notch-up an impressive 10 clean sheets.
The former Shrewsbury trainee is now being backed to add to his solitary England cap, by being part of Fabio Capello's World Cup plans next summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
It's an embarrassing statistic that Manchester United's Wayne Rooney has scored more times in the league this term than Wolves. However, striker Kevin Doyle is determined to alter that now he's returned from injury.
The Republic of Ireland international goal-getter is determined to propel Wolves clear of the drop-zone, as well as keeping on top of the club's scoring charts. Doyle has struck just five times this term, and has failed to score in his last six appearances, but he's desperate to stop defender Jody Craddock from winning the club's 'golden boot' accolade.
Although his hold-up play has been excellent, it's a cutting edge in front of goal that McCarthy will surely be demanding from the £6.5 million summer signing from Reading in Sunday's match.
PREDICTION
Both sides are brimming with tenacious, mentally and physically tough players, so this is bound to be another fiery, all-action encounter with plenty of meaty tackles in the middle. However, with both sides averaging less than a goal a game, it might not be a match of thrilling goal-mouth entertainment, with defences coming out on top.
The Blues are formidable at home, enjoying a good run of form and with plenty of experience in their ranks. Yet, with Wolves placed precariously above the drop-zone, they have to find to build on recent league performances and Mick McCathy will expect his players to rise to the occasion. Not a game for the faint-hearted.
Birmingham City 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
St Andrews Stadium, Birmingham
Only nine months ago there were jubilant scenes throughout the West Midlands as both Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers achieved automatic promotion to the Premier League in contrasting fashions.
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Wolves were crowned champions after out-gunning every other Championship club, while the Blues' more methodical approach saw them claim second spot with the meanest defence in the division.
This season it's been all too evident which side has adapted better to the rigours of the top-flight. Birmingham's seemingly impregnable rear-guard has lasted the course, making them the division's surprise package with the club's eighth place standing surpassing even manager Alex McLeish's expectations.
Consistency in selection has been their secret weapon. McLeish could field an unchanged starting XI for the 12th consecutive league game against his cross-city rivals on Sunday afternoon, something which has proved the bedrock of their success.
A hard-working cohesive unit, having never-say-die battlers such as Roger Johnson, Stephen Carr and Barry Ferguson continually available for selection - as well as Lee Bowyer rediscovering his best - has helped them maintain an impressive run of form.
The Blues have suffered just one defeat in their last 14 Premier League outings, only waving the white flag to table-toppers Chelsea recently. Last weekend Tottenham Hotspur almost sneaked away from St Andrews with a victory, only for Liam Ridgewell's last gasp equaliser to demonstrate further the club's admirable resilient streak.
Escaping from St Andrews with points has been particularly challenging for visitors this term. Birmingham have not lost on home soil since Bolton Wanderers triumphed there in late September, and thanks to Joe Hart's heroics between the posts, the club have only conceded seven times in front of their own supporters.
Wolves, though, do have one glimmer of hope as they travel the short distance to their Black Country neighbours. Birmingham's lack of fire-power has been evident all season, with a miserly 22 league goals forestalling their hopes of a European place.
It was widely anticipated that McLeish would exploit his £40 million transfer war-chest in January to capture offensive reinforcements, but they have failed to materialise.
However, with the club just two victories short of the magical 40-point safety net, sticking with what you've got, instead of gambling, is sometimes the wisest thing to do.
Although McLeish's men will avoid a relegation dog-fight this time around, Wolves are already bearing their teeth for such a scrap. Mick McCarthy's men sit just above the drop-zone on goal difference, find themselves bottom of the form table and are winless in their last five fixtures.
All the signs are pointing for a straight return to the Championship, especially after McCarthy labelled the midweek exit to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, as the worst performance he'd seen in three-and-a-half years.
Goals, or a lack of them, have been the crux of the problem. With a slimline 19 goals to point at, the club are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League, something which has come as a surprise to many. Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and Kevin Doyle – Wolves' main striking threats – struck 43 times between them in the Championship during 2008-09.
It's not all doom and gloom, though, for McCarthy. Wolves have often found their shooting boots away from home, rather than at Molineux, this season, and although they suffered heavy defeats on excursions to Sunderland, Chelsea and Manchester United, they do have the stomach for a fight. Draws at Everton, Stoke City and victory at Wigan Athletic being salient examples.
With the humbling at Palace aside, where McCarthy opted to rest a number of first team regulars, there has been an upturn in recent league form. Wolves held Liverpool to a goalless stalemate and came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw at Hull City last weekend. A reflection of progress in itself when you consider the 'Old Gold' had not scored in their previous four outings.
If there's one thing that is a cast iron certainty, though, it's that McCarthy won't let Wolves simply roll over. For all their huffing and puffing, the club have the second best away record in the bottom half, and although they haven't beaten Birmingham since 2001, avenging November's 1-0 reverse would be the perfect way to start their Houdini-esque escape from the drop.
FORM GUIDE
Birmingham City
30 Jan (Premier League) v Tottenham (H) DREW 1-1
27 Jan (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) LOST 3-0
23 Jan (FA Cup) v Everton (A) WON 2-1
12 Jan (FA Cup) v Nottm Forest (H) WON 1-0
09 Jan (Premier League) v Man United (H) DREW 1-1
Wolverhampton Wanderers
02 Feb (FA Cup) v Crystal Palace (A) LOST 3-1
30 Jan (Premier League) v Hull City (A) DREW 2-2
26 Jan (Premier League) v Liverpool (H) DREW 0-0
23 Jan (FA Cup) v Crystal Palace (H) DREW 2-2
16 Jan (Premier League) v Wigan (H) LOST 2-0
TEAM NEWS
Birmingham City
McLeish finds himself in the enviable position of being able to name an unchanged starting XI for the 12th consecutive Premier League game. However, after the Blues scraped a draw last weekend against Tottenham, the Scot conceded his players were looking jaded and a reshuffle could be just what the doctor ordered.
Although veteran striker Kevin Phillips has returned from a groin injury, Lee Carsley (ankle), Garry O'Connor (hip) and Teemu Tainio (knee) are still sidelined, while the game might be too soon for David Murphy (knee) and Stuart Parnaby (back).
Last starting XI (v Tottenham): Hart; Carr, Ridgewell, Johnson, Dann; Bowyer, Larsson, Ferguson, Jerome; Benitez, McFadden.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
McCarthy will be delighted to see the trio of Kevin Doyle, Matt Jarvis and Stephen Ward all shake-off leg injuries to return for the derby clash. Number one shot-stopper Marcus Hahnemann, who was rested for the midweek defeat to Crystal Palace, is also expected to return. And Adlene Guedioura, who joined on loan from Charleroi in midweek could be handed his debut.
David Edwards, Andrew Keogh and Michael Kightly are still sidelined through ankle injuries and Stefan Maierhofer is out with a groin strain.
Last starting XI (v Crystal Palace): Hennessey; Stearman, Craddock, Berra, Zubar; Mancienne, Foley, Henry, Milijas; Mujangi Bia, Vokes.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Birmingham City
A minutes' silence will be observed before the derby clash, after former Blues goalkeeper and manager Gil Merrick died on Thursday aged 88. The former England gloveman, who led Birmingham to their only major trophy in 1963, would have no doubt approved of current stopper Joe Hart.
The 22-year-old has been in scintillating form this term, conceding just 10 times in his last 14 games. His athleticism and dogged determination to keep strikers at bay has seen the Manchester City loanee top the division's goalkeepers with most saves made and notch-up an impressive 10 clean sheets.
The former Shrewsbury trainee is now being backed to add to his solitary England cap, by being part of Fabio Capello's World Cup plans next summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
It's an embarrassing statistic that Manchester United's Wayne Rooney has scored more times in the league this term than Wolves. However, striker Kevin Doyle is determined to alter that now he's returned from injury.
The Republic of Ireland international goal-getter is determined to propel Wolves clear of the drop-zone, as well as keeping on top of the club's scoring charts. Doyle has struck just five times this term, and has failed to score in his last six appearances, but he's desperate to stop defender Jody Craddock from winning the club's 'golden boot' accolade.
Although his hold-up play has been excellent, it's a cutting edge in front of goal that McCarthy will surely be demanding from the £6.5 million summer signing from Reading in Sunday's match.
PREDICTION
Both sides are brimming with tenacious, mentally and physically tough players, so this is bound to be another fiery, all-action encounter with plenty of meaty tackles in the middle. However, with both sides averaging less than a goal a game, it might not be a match of thrilling goal-mouth entertainment, with defences coming out on top.
The Blues are formidable at home, enjoying a good run of form and with plenty of experience in their ranks. Yet, with Wolves placed precariously above the drop-zone, they have to find to build on recent league performances and Mick McCathy will expect his players to rise to the occasion. Not a game for the faint-hearted.
Birmingham City 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
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