The Brummies did lift the trophy, but this game is returning to the cruel Premier reality. They’re two points above the relegation line, this is six-pointer and I’m pretty sure they won’t suffer from a Cup hangover. Despite their bad position on the table, Birmingham have lost just three of their last 29 Premier games at St Andrew's. Barry Ferguson and Craig Gardner got some injuries in the Cup final and are in doubt for today’s clash.
West Brom are going to West Midlands derby after four draws of last five games (three in the row) and five away defeats of six matches. Hodgson added some stability to a horrible defence line, but they became a less dangerous in front as well (excluding Vela, of course). They have made a record with 26 Premier games without a clean sheet (three of them with Hodgson), but Hodgson as Premier League manager won just one of his last 28 away matches. Key man in the midfield, Graham Dorrans, suffered an ankle injury in training on Friday and is a major doubt.
The host will have a sky-high confidence, great support from the stands and they’re probably better team. WBA are pretty poor travellers, they avoided defeats in last two games coming to the point in last minutes and their luck should be spent. Home win (with some limitation regarding the draw). 1-0 correct score.
Bet: Birmingham -0.25
Odd: 2.21 188bet
Stake: 7/10
p
Support the blog and open a betting account using the banners from the left. You'll get some free bets as well.
Make e-mail subscription and get my picks directly in the mail box.
p
