ENGLISH OTHER BETTING PICK - BIRMINGHAM CITY V MILTON KEYNES DONS

English Other

2010-09-21 - Birmingham City vs Milton Keynes Dons

A Sports Betting Pick by Caged

Birmingham City v Milton Keynes Dons
Football ; England : Carling Cup Round 3
Venue : St Andrews, Birmingham
Tuesday 21st September 2010 - Kickoff 19.45 BST

Birmingham City
(Premiership, 12th)

Last year, Alex McLeish's Birmingham side were moulded in his own image. Serious, pragmatic, resolute. They were hard to beat, and were never beaten by much. They survived comfortably.

What they lacked however was firepower and goals, and the Scotsman has tried to address that this season. In has come strikers like Zigic and Derbyshire, who are both confirmed starters on Tuesday for the visit of League 1 MK Dons. Also expected to take part are Alexander Hleb, Maik Taylor, David Murphy, Keith Fahey, Jean Beausejour and Enric Valles.

And in has come a more expansive, ambitious strategy. All but one of Birmingham’s league and cup games this season have gone over 2.5 goals, including the 3-2 win over League 1 Rochdale in the last round.

Birmingham have won their last six Carling Cup ties against lower league sides

MK Dons
(League 1, 4th)

Expected by many to struggle as they tighten their financial belts this season, MK under rookie manager Karl Robinson have surprised. Fourth place is about 15 places higher than many were predicting, and this has been built on solid home form.

Away from home however, the Dons are a bit flimsy. They've won one of three and conceded 7 goals, scoring 3. MK Dons fans consider their defence to be a little naive, and if so they may end up shipping a few against a Birmingham front line with a point to prove.

Dons will take heart from 5th place Rochdale giving the Blues a scare in the last round of this competition, but Rochdale do score more than MK who have a fitness doubt over top scorer Sam Baldock.

MK have played twice to reach this round of the Competition, both at home, both saw goals. A 2-1 win over Dagenham was followed by a remarkable 4-3 win over Blackpool after extra time. In fact the last two times MK have met Premiership sides in the Carling Cup has seen a total of 12 goals.

Head to head

These two haven’t played since Wimbledon became MK Dons.

The Betting Recommendation :

Never bet on the Carling Cup! :-)

But if you have to bet, then Birmingham look one of the safer bets.

They don't make too many mistakes against lower league opposition, the manager has already confirmed he will play some decent players, and opponents who struggle away.

The Pick :