Birmingham v Crystal Palace Preview

Posted on | October 20, 2008 | No Comments

Birmingham were classed as clear favorites to win the division at the start of the season yet after dropping points in recent weeks they now find themselves in 2nd place. With opponents Crystal Palace putting together a run of three wins on the spin, Tuesday night’s game certainly looks special and won’t be as straight forward as people perhaps thought a few weeks ago.

Let’s take nothing away from Alex McLeish’s Birmingham though – the start they’ve made has still been very impressive and in most seasons, they’d be leading the pack by now. However, in recent weeks they’ve drawn games that they may feel they should have won and Saturday’s 1-1 result against Burnley may have worried a few fans. The Blues were second best throughout and it took a late goal from Cameron Jerome to rescue a point, which still meant they dropped down to 2nd place after Wolves won their game. It’s hard to pick too many faults in a side that contains so much quality for the league that they’re in, yet McLeish must know that his side probably aren’t scoring as many as they should considering the talent they have in their frontline and he’ll be hoping to resolve this so they regain top spot.

After a tricky start, it’s been a complete turnaround for Crystal Palace in the last few weeks. The Eagles were lingering in the relegation places at the start of the season yet after collecting ten points out of their last four games, they’re finally clicking and progressing to the position that so many predicted. Goals were a big problem for Neil Warnock’s men at the start of the season but after knocking three past Barnsley on Saturday and two in the game before, everything seems to be coming together. Warnock continued his trend of throwing youngsters in on Saturday by handing Nathaniel Clyne a league debut and the full back did not disappoint with a solid performance in defence. With Clyne joining a number of players in the Palace squad who’ve come up through the ranks, the Selhurst Park faithful must be extremely happy at the moment and will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s final position.

Alex McLeish is lacking a bit in defence options and has been forced to hand a squad number to youngster Jared Wilson. Radhi Jaidi and Stephen Kelly are definitely missing the tie with thigh injuries, while full back David Murphy is also doubtful with a knee problem. Neil Warnock has the odd problem as well with Paddy McCarthy doubtful after dislocating his shoulder at the weekend. Youngster Nathaniel Clyne, who made his debut and impressed immensely against Barnsley, is likely to keep his place although striker Alan Lee probably won’t be risked again.

Palace are on a brilliant run at the moment while Birmingham perhaps aren’t firing on all cylinders. Had Warnock’s side been at home they may have had a chance of a win, but St Andrews is still a tough place to go and we’ll go for a draw in this one – 0-0.

Related posts:

1. Crystal Palace v QPR Preview
2. Cardiff v Crystal Palace Preview
3. Sheffield United v Crystal Palace Preview
4. Crystal Palace v Coventry Preview
5. Ipswich v Crystal Palace Preview

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