Big Match Preview: Birmingham City away

MEET THE GAFFER: HARRY REDKNAPP

A man boasting a distinguished track record, Redknapp enjoyed notable success in charge of Bournemouth, West Ham United, Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur.

Now 70 years of age, he was initially appointed on a three-match mission to keep Birmingham in the Championship.

He won two of those, including once at City’s expense, to land the job permanently.

Redknapp has been left frustrated in his attempts to sign Aden Flint and Joe Bryan this summer.

STAR MAN: CHE ADAMS

Scorer of Birmingham’s last and most important goal of 2016/17, Adams was the match-winner at Ashton Gate in May.

Signed from Sheffield United last summer, he scored seven goals in his debut campaign at St Andrew’s.

His status as a major threat was enhanced by a midweek hat-trick as Blues thumped Crawley Town 5-1 in the Carabao Cup.

The lively forward will have his sights set on reaching double figures in the Sky Bet Championship for the first time this season.

MEMORABLE MEETING: 2011/12

BIRMINGHAM CITY 2-2 BRISTOL CITY
Pearson 21, Stead 33; King 44, Zigic 61

A resurgent City side were inching closer to Championship survival after priceless back-to-back wins over Easter, and played some sparkling football in the first half at St Andrew’s.

Stephen Pearson opened the scoring in the first half at the end of a superb team move, before Jon Stead’s shot on the turn flew into the top corner to double the lead.

City were sitting pretty, but Marlon King’s goal back just before the interval was the catalyst for a swing in momentum.

Lanky Serbian Nikola Zigic tapped in a low cross from Chris Burke to ensure a share of the spoils, but City were a point closer to their target.

Birmingham: Doyle; Ramage, Davies, Caldwell, Murphy; Burke, Fahey (Gomis 36), Mutch, Townsend (Redmond, 76); King, Zigic (E Huseklepp, 89). Subs not used: Ibanez, Elliott.

City: Gerken; Carey, Amougou, Fontaine, Foster; Skuse, Cisse (Ephraim, 78), Woolford (Kilkenny, 89), Pearson; Stead (Adomah 73) Wood. Subs not used: James, Bolasie.

Attendance: 23,230.

AND FINALLY...

Officials
Referee: Darren Bond
Assistant Referees: Jonathan Hunt & Mark Jones
Fourth Official: Mark Heywood

Betting (via Sky Bet)
Birmingham - 7/5
City - 15/8
Draw - 23/10