Premier League Preview: Birmingham - Fulham

"The next thing will be enticing them to come to Birmingham."

Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson, during his short-lived Fulham tenure, has overseen a complete change in fortunes. After successfully avoiding relegation upon his arrival, he masterminded the club's highest ever placing - 7th in the Premier League, and guaranteed Europa League football this campaign.

A repeat has been deemed unlikely. The added burden of midweek European fixtures, together with the increased competition for the Europa League spots this season (Manchester City, Aston Villa, Everton, and Sunderland are all in contention), are likely to take their toll in the second half of the season.

However, towering defender Brede Hangeland - who has been pivotal to the Cottagers' impressive defensive record - is eager to sign a new contract despite continued speculation linking him with a move away from west London.

Regarding Fulham, McLeish hinted that his recruitment policy may mirror that of his weekend opponents - a team, he says, that has been built steadily over the years.

He said: "They are a great example of how to build year-on-year and a club that we should try to emulate. They have stabilized themselves in the top division and they are now playing in Europe."

A busy period is about to get underway for both sides in the lead up to the Christmas fixture list, and so a win on Saturday will raise confidence going into such an arduous time, especially after the international break.

FORM GUIDE

Birmingham City

Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham City
Birmingham City 0-0 Manchester City
Birmingham City 2-1 Sunderland
Arsenal 3-1 Birmingham City
Burnley 2-1 Birmingham City

Fulham

Wigan Athletic 1-1 Fulham
Roma 2-1 Fulham
Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
Manchester City 2-2 Fulham
Fulham 1-1 Roma

TEAM NEWS

Birmingham City

Neither Birmingham City or Fulham are currently cursed with an abundant injury list. Gary O'Connor (hip) remains a long-term absentee while David Murphy is also out for the foreseeable future due to a knee complaint.

Keith Fahey (knee) and Maik Taylor (ankle) will both face late fitness tests to assess their availability should Alex McLeish want the two on the bench.

Last starting XI (vs. Liverpool 4-1-3-2): Hart, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Tainio, Larsson, Bowyer, McFadden, Jerome, Benitez.

Fulham

Diomansy Kamara (foot) and Andy Johnson (groin) are nearing full fitness.

As is key midfielder Danny Murphy who is close to making a return following a knee problem.

Last starting XI (vs. Wigan 4-4-2): Schwarzer, Paintsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Duff, Greening, Baird, Dempsey, Zamora, Nevland.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Birmingham City

Summer signing Christian Benitez has shown glimpses of what prompted Alex McLeish to sign a check for a rising £6 million fee, but has only burst the net on one occasion in the Premier League. A series of goalkeeping clinics have denied the promising Ecuadorian a route to goal this season, so Mark Schwarzer will have to be on guard.

Fulham

A criticism of the Cottagers in the past has been that their firepower has been lacking. With 14 goals struck in 11 league games, the onus will be on the frontmen to provide the goals. Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora could be key to Fulham's forward prowess.

PREDICTION

Birmingham City 1-1 Fulham

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

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