Following the cruel defeat at the hands of Sunderland on Monday evening, Saints will be looking to come out of this six-pointer with no fewer than three points to kick-start promotion hopes. George Burley has stated that Saints need to win three of their last four games to reach the play-offs, and although this would seem the toughest remaining fixture Saints need a result to avoid being overtaken by the likes of Colchester and Sheffield Wednesday.
Birmingham themselves have been on a poor run of form, winning just once in their last fives games and losing to Burnley and Barnsley in their last two outings without finding the net. A win would see them peg back Derby and Sunderland and go eleven points ahead of Saints, who could slip to 11th with a defeat.
Saints have looked a different side in the last three games and were unfortunate to lose to Sunderland after impressive victories on the road at Wolves and Luton. The general view among supporters is that if Saints adopt the same high-tempo, pressing game as the Sunderland match for the remainder of the season, bad luck will be the only obstacle in the way of a top 6 finish.
Vital Quotes:
George Burley – ‘We must be very positive and not be nervous… we had that belief in our last two away performances and so we know we are capable of going to Birmingham and winning.’
Danny Guthrie – ‘There is a lot riding on this one for both teams.’
Birmingham City Team News:
Andy Cole is rated 50-50 with a hamstring problem to make his first start since joining on loan from Portsmouth. Stephen Clemence misses out with bruised ribs and midfielder Neil Danns is suspended.
Player to watch: Home Player
DJ Campbell – the ex-Brentford striker has found his feet recently with a brace against Coventry City, and his pace could cause the Saints defence problems.
Southampton Team News:
Kenwyne Jones could return after six weeks out with an ankle injury, but he will have to compete for a starting place alongside Leon Best who is fit after being stretchered off on Monday night. Gareth Bale and Nathan Dyer miss out with calf and knee problems respectively. Bartosz Bialkowski should retain his place in goal.
Player to watch: Away Player
Danny Guthrie – the on-loan youngster has shown he is up for the fight after a battling second-half performance against Sunderland. His passing could be the key to opening up Birminghma’s defence.
Match Facts & Stats
Previous meetings:
24/10/04: Saints 0-0 Birmingham
2/2/05: Birmingham 2-1 Saints
29/11/06: Saints 4-3 Birmingham
Next Fixtures:
21/4/07: Leeds United (Home)
28/4/07: Norwich City (Away)
6/5/07: Southend United (Home)
