Last time out: SAINTS 4-1 Birmingham http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14869920 This match was completely dominated by the Saints last time these teams met each other. This game meant that Saints went top for the first time this season. Can this be the case again? Saints have generally had the upper hand in the home games. But haven't done brilliantly in the away matches in the past. And given Brummys recent form it will be an extremely tough one for Saints to win. My Prediction: Sorry but I'm going for: Brum 2-1 Saints (Lambert) My team: Davis Richardson, Fonte, Martin, Harding Chaplow, Hammond, Schneidrlin, Lallana Lambert, Connolly Injury news: Still awaiting news on Hooiveld, Chaplow and Guly. I think Puncheon will be too tired. More news to follow... I would like to add that I will make note of everyone's score predictions and post them on this first page before 2pm on match day. Any after 2pm will be ignored And the winner will receive........ A congratulations from me and recognition for being correct on the day . All for a laugh!
At last cheers mate! It's my birthday on Saturday!! Brum 2-4 Saints Realisation hits! Brum 1-1 Saints.
1-1 (De Ridder of the bench) Hope Sharp gets a run out, and Lee. Win this and we are in a great position (if we aren't already) COYR!
Three starts in eight days seems unlikely for Puncheon, so I can't see him starting. Start him in midweek against Millwall instead. And even if Chaplow is back, this game is too big and he's been out for too long, for him to thrown right back in from the start. I'm assuming that Hooiveld and Guly will still be missing. Davis Richardson Fonte Martin Fox Cork Hammond Lallana Conolly Sharp Lambert (An alternative to this formation would be a 4-4-2 diamond, with Hammond at the base and Connolly at the front, but I'd prefer a flat three in the middle - gives slightly more width) Bart, Harding, Chaplow*, Morgan, Lee *De Ridder or Falque, if still injured.
Davis Richardson Fonte Martin Fox Chaplow Hammond Cork Lallana Sharp Lambert Bench: Bart, Harding, Lee, De Ridder, Puncheon Gonna try and ber positive, 2 -0 Saints, withstand pressure, ride our luck a bit, and then pass our way into the game, Sharp and lambert would be fantastic.
As for the score, if we play the sort of XI that I've gone for (ie attacking, with three forwards) then I can see a 2-2 draw, maybe 3-2 either way. If we stick to the normal 4-4-2, I think we might struggle - Birmingham are in great form, and I think are yet to lose at home (I miss being able to say that about us!). 2-0 or 2-1 to Brum.
I think we will lose 3-2 personally, Birmingham are on such a good run Davis Richardson Fonte Martin Fox De Ridder Schneiderlin Cork Lallana Lambert Sharp Subs: Bart, Harding, Hammond, Lee, Puncheon
Like Cardiff on Tues, both teams will be up for this and again my prediction is for a draw, this time a 1-1. I actually think if fit Puncheon will start again, the only way to get him up to match fitness is to keep playing him Latest weather forecast has snow in Brum on Sat, too cold again for Guly COYS
Fascinated to know under which circumstances you would actually bring Harding on to the pitch. Would we have to be 3, down, 4 down or what?
The Appointed Referee is Christopher Foy who judging from his ratings elsewhere is a Birmingham supporter! Not a good choice for us I think. http://rateyourref.co.uk/referee/Chris-Foy
Davis Richardson Fonte Martin Fox Chaplow (if fit) Hammond Cork Lallana Lambert Sharp Subs Bart Harding Morgan Lee Guly (if fit) If Chaplow not fit Falque and Connolly on bench if Guly not fit.
Amazingly, I wanted him on at HT against Cardiff. Fox was having a shocker from an offensive sense - as he continued to do so in the second half - and I thought we could have threatened the Cardiff even further with Harding on for him. Cardiff were offering next to nothing down that flank, so I wasn't wondered about Harding being found out defensively.
Over the course of their last four games, all wins, Birmingham has outscored their opponents 15-2. Afraid that I have difficulty seeing a win here...going to say 3-1 Birmingham, with the match closer than the score would indicate.
And even scarier, I gather that the last 8 of those goals have come without King in the side - who looks like he'll be back for Saturday.
How about a postponement due to snow on the pitch? Give us a chance to get the new lads upto speed. Give Puncheon a few more days to recover and Give Brum a chance to run out of steam. Wishful thinking?
Brum very impressive last time out but Millwall finished game with 9 men and cup game was against League 1 opposition. Remember we have serious firepower now as well though will take time to bed in new players Houghton won't want to change a winning team so barring any injuries, if available King will be on the bench COYS
Believe their ground has undersoil heating, so it would probably take some truly nasty weather for the game to be called off.