Birmingham City Preview: Monday 19th December 2011 (League)

Well it seems like forever since we were here last but much has changed in CPFC land. As we all know, Glenn Murray gave us the vital three points last week to secure a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest and just days ago, academy starlet and first team wing wizard Wilfried Zaha penned a new FIVE year deal to secure his future at Crystal Palace. Congratulations to Wilf and we hope you are a huge part of future successes.
Swindon Town are also keen to keep on-loan Palace keeper Wes Foderingham for longer as the young stopper has impressed at the County Ground.

Saturday's action...
The Eagles boarded the team coach last Saturday on a trip to Nottingham Forest. Forest have been struggling in the league and after their recent 3 losses it didn't look good. Palace were on a poor run of their own and it may perhaps be hopes to change that, that fired them up for this one.
Early chances set the tone for some games and Palace were first to threaten their opponents when Zaha flicked the ball on for Glenn Murray, he run on a few paces before letting loose a fierce right footed effort, beaten away by Forest 'keeper Lee Camp.
Forest brought on a chance of their own, Paddy McCarthy failing to control a pass from Julian Speroni. The mistake was pounced upon by Anderson who seemed clear through on goal, that was until Anthony Gardner came flying in as if from nowhere to put in a vital body block. Forest created a chance from a corner and the visitors were almost beaten, a cleverly snap header from Luke Chambers forced a tremendous save from Speroni, one of his best by far (and that's saying something). McCleary was the next to try his luck, Speroni diving again to block the shot, showing why he's claimed the Player Of The Year title at Selhurst Park for three of the last four years.
From a great block at one end to a sneaky shot on goal, Anthony Gardner was up for a free kick, Scannell finding him in the box, his lobbed shot was tipped over by Camp as Palace started to become more threatening.
The second half started perfectly for Palace, their dangerous duo of Zaha & Murray gave the latter a chance that he took well, slotting the ball across goal and into the inside netting, Palace 1-0 Nottm Forest.
This result made sure Forest stayed in the bottom three, whilst Palace make a slow but steady climb up the table.

Team News


Crystal Palace will of course be without long term absentees Jonathan Williams, Lee Hills & Alex Marrow. Sean Scannell made a return from a knock on Saturday whilst Moxey missed out and could be a doubt. The Eagles will also be without Wilfried Zaha as his booking against Forest sees him suspended. Dekel Keinan is a doubt after injections to speed up his recovery were performed.


Birmingham will be without Liam Ridgewell (thigh) and Jordan Mutch is likely to get a bench spot after his return from a broken ankle in midweek. Stephen Carr is likely to start after being rested in their European clash.

Preview


With a win against Forest under their belts, Palace return to Selhurst Park for a mid-table clash with newly relegated Birmingham City. The Blues were knocked out of the Europa League in mid week, despite beating NK Maribor 1-0 and will be on the front foot from the off. They have kept some of their Premier League class players like skipper Stephen Carr and front man Zigic and will be worthy opponents on Monday night.
The sides have met 46 times and of those 46 meetings, they are hard to separate, Palace claim 17 victories whilst Birmingham claim 19, with ten games drawn. Most recently in 2009 the sides were all square at the end of 90 minutes with not one goal between them but Birmingham did grab a winner in 2008 with Garry O'Connor in the 90th minute. Just two players remain in the Palace squad since that day, Julian Speroni and Sean Scannell, Sean warming the bench for the full ninety.

My CPFC line-up

Speroni

Clyne                   McCarthy (c)                 Gardner                Parr

Wright

Ambrose                             Dikgacoi

Scannell

Murray         Martin

Subs: Price, Ramage, Garvan, Andrew, Pedroza

Birmingham's last six:

W-W-L-L-L-D

Last time out:

C Palace 0-0 B'ham

Match Facts:

- The two sides have met 46 times, Palace 17-10-19 Birmingham.

- Birmingham have scored an average of 1.3 goals away from home this season, conceding 1.8.

- Palace have scored an average of 0.9 goals at home this season, conceding 0.6.

- Birmingham have scored an amazing 10 goals in the last 15 mins of matches this season, conceding 3.

- Palace have conceded 4 in the last 15 mins of matches, scoring 8.

My Prediction

C Palace 1-1 B'ham

Ambrose         Zigic