When I was travelling back from our win over Sheffield Wednesday, I found myself surrounded by Birmingham fans on the train from Euston celebrating their victory at Fulham. They were surprised that I regularly made the journey to Charlton for home games, but even more surprised that I was not going to St. Andrews tomorrow. However, I have experienced the 'hospitality' of Blues fans in the past.
Birmingham are now in 6th place and hence seen as promotion challengers with the prospect of replacing Aston Villa in the Premier League. I have this sense that they are seen in this role year after year and eventually fade. However, in Gary Rowett, they have an excellent manager, although finances are tight. Last season they finished 10th, but Four Four Two forecasts a sixth place finish.
Birmingham have no new injury worries and welcome back striker Clayton Donaldson who scored for Jamaica against Haiti during the break. Ricardo Vaz Te could make his debut up front for Charlton but is unlikely to start due to a lack of match fitness.
Tony Watt is a major injury doubt, while defender Chris Solly (knock) is touch and go.
Birmingham have lost only one of their last eight league matches against Charlton (W3 D4), so this might look like a match where the result can be read off the table. However, we did win there 1-0 last year and drew the year before.
In their match preview, CAS Trust point out Birmingham's current position is largely a result of their away form: Some hope?
Odds are Birmingham 7/10, Draw 5/2, Charlton 17/4. I really have no idea how this match will go, but think a draw is possible.
With Reading boss Steve Clarke turning down a move to Fulham, Alan Curbishley, who has been taking first team training at Fulham, will presumably be in charge for their outing to MK Dons. Could he yet end up as Fulham manager?
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