Birmingham City - Fulham

After big injury crisis that caused six competitive defeats in seven games, Alex McLeish has stabilized the squad and although still six players are sidelined they have been noticing a significant improvement in performances. Also, new owner has brought a financial stability and better dressing room atmosphere. As a result, Blues have noticed three league game without a defeat. Bad run was ended against very good Sunderland at St Andrew's (2-1). Then another good result reflected in draw vs. Man.City also at home (0-0) with penalty kick missed. And last encounter was the best performance this season. 2-2 draw at Enfield where Birmingham were very close to win as conceded a late goal from penalty after David Ngog's diving. International brake came in the right time for them to mentally prepare for not so attractive opponent as those three. Key midfielder Barry Ferguson returns to the squad after serving out his one game suspension against Liverpool, while another midfielder Keith Fahey is also back in contention after recovering from an ankle knock. David Murphy (defense), Teemu Tainio (midfield), Garry O'Connor (forward) and Martin Taylor (defense) all miss out.

Roy Hodgson is doing a very good job at Craven Cottage as Fulham made a run of five consecutive games without a defeat. Two home wins (Hull City 2-0 and Liverpool 3-1) and three draws on the road (West Ham United 2-2, Man.City 2-2 (returned from 0-2) and Wigan Athletic 1-1). The biggest problem for Hodgson is “short bench” as he hasn’t enough number of players to play in three competitions. And some key players have been involved in international games. Key winger, Damien Duff, suffered a disaster in France and the question is how much he can focus on Birmingham. Two games also played Pantsil, Dikgacoi and Stephen Kelly. Skipper Danny Murphy and striker Andrew Johnson will be back in training process next week, while excellent striker Diomansy Kamara will also miss the game. American midfielder Clint Dempsey has been playing in excellent shape, scoring three times in last three games. However, I see Fulham as an average Premier League side and current 11th place as the best possible achievement this season.

My sympathy is definitely on home side. Expect the same commitment as in previous games and fight for all three points. Fulham so far is tough side to beat and their three consecutive draws on the road point a decent possibility of another one. So, dnb 1 (about 1.80) and small gamble on home win (Pinnacle 2.50).
.
Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
Expekt - First deposit bonus up to €35 / £25 for all new customers
Make your first deposit at expekt.com and we will immediately double your money up to max €35 / £25. Take these 3 easy steps to start profiting from sports betting: 1.Register an account with expekt.com here. 2.Deposit a minimum of €10 into your expekt.com account. 3.Send an email to 35eurbonus@expekt.com with your customer number and deposit amount included. The bonus amount up to €35/£25 will be added to your account within 48 h

Birmingham - Plymouth

Birmingham continue to test the nerves of their fans. Blades are just point behind, after another disapointing performance by Alex McLeish lads. Incredible fact is the last team in Championship was closer to victory. Charlton dominated and had better goal opportunities. The Blues had just two attempts by Keith Fahey and saved a draw thankfully to goalie Maik Taylor. Now, the whole season is in last four games. No space for another relaxing attitude, St.Andrews will be full, hosts will fight and beat from the first whistle. Alex McLeish is sweating on the fitness of Garry O'Connor for the clash, as the striker is suffering with a virus. Lee Carsley serves the second game of a three-match ban for his dismissal against Wolves, right back Stuart Parnaby is injured and veteran Djimi Traore is not fully fit.

Pilgrims started to notice the good results just on time. Two wins in a row (Blackpool, 1-0 away and Coventry, 4-0 at home), six points above the line. Good performances at Home Park finally bring the points. Excellent first half and four balls in Coventry's net and second was clear formality. They travel in Birmingham with no pressure. The only injured player is young Man Utd defender Craig Cathcart (deputised by Chris Barker), but the question is will Paul Sturrock put the same eleven on the pitch, or maybe save some players from another effort in three days and keep them for the last decisive rounds.

This is definitely a pick of the day. Hosts know this game can take their dreams (and one year effort) away (into play-off, at least), visitors know they don't have too much chances at St.Andrews. 888 offers 1.62 for home win, Pinnacle 1.61. Absolutely no doubt for me. And visitors will probably keep the strength for the next clashes, rather than fight for a point. My other bet is home handicap win.