Match Preview - Birmingham (h)

[Jourdan]

Tomorrow, Billy Davies’ men face a six-pointer against fellow newly-promoted side Birmingham City. Both sides have 1 point after 3 matches and will be looking for a win to hopefully hoist themselves away from the bottom 3.

Last Time At Pride Park

Derby 0-1 Birmingham (21st October 2006)

Recent History

After flirting with promotion and suffering play-off heartbreak in the previous three campaigns, Birmingham City finally won promotion to the Premier League in May 2002, defeating Norwich City in a penalty shoot-out at the Millennium Stadium. The win sparked a period of stability in the top flight under manager Steve Bruce. The Blues ended 13th in their inaugural season in the Premier League, eclipsing the performance of arch rivals Aston Villa. They consolidated this by claiming 10th place in 2003/04 and 12th place the following season.

Over the three seasons, some high profile players had graced the St. Andrews turf, most notably French World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry, England international Emile Heskey, Finnish international Mikael Forssell and former Arsenal and Notts County prodigy Jermaine Pennant. Three of those were part of the squad credited with the club’s relegation in 2005/06, but only one survived the mass exodus in the 2006/07 pre-season, as Pennant headed to Liverpool and Heskey departed for Wigan. Much-coveted centre back Matthew Upson also left the club, joining West Ham in January 2007.

The Blues’ stay in the Premier League had come to an end, but they made a quickfire return, finishing 2nd at the expense of Derby to gain promotion at the first time of asking alongside Roy Keane’s Sunderland.

Summer Signings

Steve Bruce has spent in excess of £10m this summer to prepare the club for their battle against relegation this season. They secured a permanent move for former Arsenal midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who was influential in the club’s promotion the previous season. The 19 year old signed a three year deal after the Blues agreed to pay up to £4m for his services. Another midfielder arrived in England’s second city as French international Olivier Kapo joined from Italian giants Juventus for £3m.

The West Midlands outfit also swooped to sign ex-Hibernian striker Garry O’Connor for £2.7m from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow to add to a squad brimming with attackers. They increased the competition for places in defence by signing experienced full back Franck Queudrue from Fulham for an initial £2m and promising defender Liam Ridgewell for £2m from rivals Aston Villa.

Although Bruce hasn’t hesitated in splashing the cash, he has also wheeled and dealed - exploiting the Bosman and loan markets. Defenders Rafael Schmitz and Johan Djourou will spend time at St. Andrews on loan, meanwhile Stuart Parnaby, Daniel De Ridder and Richard Kingson all joined on free transfers.

While 10 players have come in, 3 have gone out this summer. Bruno N’Gotty, Stephen Clemence and DJ Campbell all joined Martin Allen’s revolution at Leicester City.

Form

The Blues have begun the season playing some encouraging football but failing to get the results they require.

On the opening weekend, they travelled to West London to face an injury-hit Chelsea. Most expected Bruce’s boys to be thrashed, but City showed signs that they may compete this season. In the first half, they took a surprise lead through former Chelsea striker Mikael Forssell, but this was instantly cancelled out by Claudio Pizarro’s precise finish. Florent Malouda edged the hosts ahead before they were clawed back by debutant Olivier Kapo’s powerful strike on 36 minutes. City’s resistance was ended by a thunderous effort by Michael Essien on 50 minutes.

The next game was a crunch home game against Sunderland but the home side were left frustrated as Stern John bundled home a controversial equaliser for the visitors after the Blues’ Garry O’Connor scored his first competitive goal for the club to give the hosts a valuable lead late in the contest. Michael Chopra continued to win the adulation of the Sunderland fans by netting his second goal in consecutive games for the Mackems, as he equalised after Paul McShane’s own goal had initially gave Birmingham the lead.

After failing to close out the game against Sunderland, City were hoping for a win against West Ham who had lost at home to Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Manchester City the previous weekend. But they were denied once again, as Mark ***le’s calmly taken penalty decided the clash on 70 minutes, in a game that was dominated by the Hammers.

Predicted Line Ups

Derby – Bywater, Griffin, Moore, Davis, McEveley, Fagan, Oakley, Feilhaber, Pearson, Howard, Earnshaw

Birmingham – Taylor, Parnaby, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Kelly, Nafti, Larsson, Muamba, Kapo, O’Connor, McSheffery

Ones to Watch

Sebastian Larsson – The Swedish Under 21 international played a starring role in the club’s promotion last season, scoring 9 goals in 50 appearances. The 22 year old arrived initially at Birmingham on a season-long loan from Arsenal. But after some stellar performances, Bruce moved quickly to tie the Swede to a permanent deal in January 2007. Larsson is a creative central midfielder, whose strengths are his passing and ability from set pieces. He can also operate as a full back.

Gary McSheffery – The England youth international signed from fellow West Midlands side Coventry City in August 2006. He also was very influential in the club’s promotion campaign, scoring 16 goals in 44 games. He is equally adept at playing as a winger and a striker and his strengths are his pace and finishing.

Radhi Jaidi – The imposing central defender made the switch from Bolton in August 2006, in a deal worth up to £2m. The Tunisian powerhouse is renowned for his strength and aerial ability, as he bagged 6 goals in 42 appearances in his debut season for the club.

Key Battles

Oakley vs. Muamba – Fabrice Muamba is a tough character at the heart of the City midfield and his battle with Rams captain and playmaker Matt Oakley could prove crucial.

Howard vs. Jaidi – Steve Howard is searching for his first Premiership goal after drawing blanks in his first three appearances. It will be down to the ruthless Jaidi to keep the Rams striker on a leash.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com on 24/8/2007)

Derby to win – 11/8
Draw – 2/1
Birmingham to win – 7/4

Virtual Betting

7 bets have been placed, all backing favourites Derby to end the game victorious at odds of 11/8. The draw is available at odds of 9/4 and an away win is available at 15/8.

Jourdan predicts…1-0