At first glance, Birmingham City seem like on of the better-known teams in the league. Recently Premier league adversaries of the Whites, League Cup champions in 2010, and all in all one of the biggest teams in the Championship.
However, this is not the Birmingham City that we knew. Financial turmoil and transfer embargoes have both been successfully ridden out by the midlanders, along with the departure of the popular Chris Hughton (currently struggling at Norwich), replaced by Lee Clark.
They sit in the bottom three at present, with five points from five games, and drew with Nottingham Forest 2-2 last time out (just as the Whites did earlier in the season). It could be a close one.
Dangermen
The ever-dangerous Marlon King (we’re talking football here, people) is a regular fixture up front and already has three goals to his name this season. With Leroy Lita and Peter Lovenkrands also options up top, there’s no shortage of firepower in their ranks.
There’s experience in the ranks with Hayden Mullins anchoring the team, and look out for winger Chris Burke, who knows where the net is but has yet to find it this season – and we all know what happens when players that are due a goal turn out against Bolton!
Outcome
All-time stats mean very little, but there’s no harm in rolling them out when they are good. Bolton have won 40% of their encounters with Brum, compared to Birmingham’s 33% (the rest draws).
Let’s hope that tonight brings back memories of the cup quarter final two years ago – a highly entertaining 3-2 win. I’d take a point though, and that’s where I’ll put my money. Birmingham 1-1 Bolton.
Come on you Whites!
