Birmingham Preview

16 February 2001

Albion are still without central defender-cum-sweeper James Chambers, who has failed a fitness test with the hamstring problem that has kept him out of action for the last couple of games. Matt Carbon, who has patched up the differences with Gary Megson that caused him to be transfer listed, will play in defence in Jay's place. Russell Hoult, despite keeping another clean sheet for the reserves, looks set to remain on the bench as Megson sticks with Brian Jensen despite last week's error for Stockport's equaliser. Loan signing Fernando Derveld is not likely to figure either and is lined up to play in next week's reserve game while Lee Hughes has two games left to play before sitting out for two matches as a result of his booking last week pushing him over the disciplinary limit.

Blues will include their new "utility" signing Peter Atherton, who joined on a three-month loan from Bradford. In Albion's favour is the fact that they will be biting their nails after watching Liverpool's triumph over Roma last night on television - the Clubs meet next week in the League Cup Final and Liverpool's win can't have done much for their confidence. On the other hand, their players will have to earn their places in the Final and will be looking to do just that against Albion...

Last season's games:
    West Brom 0 Birmingham 3
    Birmingham 1 West Brom 1

Last five league matches:
    Birmingham: L W W W L
    West Brom: W L W D D

Top scorers:
    Birmingham: Dele Adebola & Geoff Horsfield (10)
    West Brom: Lee Hughes (18)

Match odds: H 10-11 A 12-5 D 9-4

Ref: R Pearson (Durham)

Previous Stories:

  26 January 2001:  Megson agrees new contract

  24 January 2001:  Trewick Resigns!

  19 January 2001:  Richards leaves

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