English Premier League – Match Preview: Birmingham City versus Blackpool F.C
Birmingham City are all set to take on Blackpool F.C as both the teams look to gain some more points in an English Premier League season which has been controversial and dramatic to say the least. After a full week's rest, both
the clubs, who can be regarded as minnows of league football, will be striving to gain all three points at the Saint Andrew’s Stadium.
Birmingham City had cemented themselves as competitive opponents after performing remarkably well in 2009-2010 English Premier League season but in 2010-2011 season, Alex McLeish’s team has been going through a bad run of form.
Their only bright result so far this season was their draw against a ragged Liverpool side.
However, the match against Blackpool has come at a right time for Birmingham City as they would fancy their chances against the Seasiders. Currently, 17th in the EPL table, Birmingham are expected to fall into the relegation
zone if they fail to win their match against Ian Holloway's side.
It is a tough task to ask of Birmingham to win against Blackpool especially if one takes a closer look at the Blues and their recent form. Birmingham City have seven points from eight games and they presently stand at a goal difference
of negative four as they have conceded twelve goals while only scoring eight in the process.
Birmingham’s last point in the Premier League came in their two all draw against Bolton Wanderers as they drew the match in question by a score line of two all. In their last league match, Birmingham were dealt a comprehensive
defeat by Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side who won by two goals to one at the Emirates Stadium.
Before that, Birmingham faced Everton at the Saint Andrew’s Stadium and lost by two goals. If that wasn’t enough, Birmingham have failed to win any of their last five games and their last win against Blackpool came sixteen years
ago when Birmingham faced them in a league one match on 31st of December, 1994.
A lot of time has passed since then as Blackpool have impressed everyone ever since their arrival in the Premier League. Blackpool’s form has been remarkable as well as the team has been on fire, perhaps Holloway’s most celebrated
win of the season came against Liverpool at Anfield.
Blackpool earned their promotion to EPL after they won their promotion play-off against Cardiff City. Upon their arrival amongst the big boys, they held their own as they earned wins against Newcastle United and Merseyside Reds.
Blackpool, currently, occupy 10th place in Premier League standings with ten points from eight league games. Ian Holloway made the headlines yet again in midweek as he revealed his thoughts on the whole Wayne Rooney
saga that has been unfolding at Old Trafford. Some have disagreed with Holloway but his comments have hit heart with some of more hardcore football fans around.
Nonetheless, he will be more worried about his team’s chances against Birmingham City rather than the probable transfer destinations of Rooney. Blackpool lost their last league match against Manchester City but no one can blame
them for a lack of effort as the Tangerines fought bravely to give the Manchester cash cows a run for their money.
The Seasiders last won at the Saint Andrew’s Stadium against Birmingham in 2008-2009 season. But Alex McLeish will be looking to keep the likes of Charlie Adams and DJ Campbell quite when both the teams meet on 23rd
of October, 2010.
As the match is being played at Birmingham’s home ground, they are the logical favourites but their form thus far has been shocking and therefore, it is more likely that this matchup will result in a draw than a one-sided conclusion.
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