English FA CUP
2011-02-19 - Birmingham vs Sheffield Wednesday
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Gary Megson who will hope to get his first win as Sheffield Manager boss as he brings his side to face Birmingham in the FA Cup fifth round.
After the departure of Alan Irvine, former Bolton coach Gary Megson was appointed as coach. And since then, his League One side have since drawn with MK Dons followed by two losses with the latest a 3-0 defeat at Tranmere in midweek.
Sheffield Wednesday will be up against it against Birmingham who are also set to contest the Carling Cup final on 27th February, where they will take on Arsenal at Wembley.
Even though Alex McLeish admitted he will rest some of his players ahead of this clash, but his side will not be pushovers. Before losing to Newcastle 2-0 at home, they had gone on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions. This included back-to-back wins in the top flight to pull three points clear of the drop zone and McLeish will expect his side to prevail here.
As for the team news, defensive duo Martin Jiranek (thigh) and Liam Ridgewell (calf) suffered injuries in the defeat to the Magpies and are struggling to be fit for today's clash. McLeish will hand a late fitness test to centre-back Curtis Davies who suffered a knee injury in training.
The likes of Kevin Phillips, Matt Derbyshire, Alexander Hleb, Lee Bowyer, Keith Fahey, Stuart Parnaby, David Murphy, Jordon Mutch and Colin Doyle are all expected to start this match.
As for the visitors Sheffield Wednesday they will be without suspended midfielder Giles Coke and striker Gary Madine for the clash. Coke was shown a straight red card in the midweek defeat at Tranmere and sits out the first of a three-match ban, so Chris Sedgwick is expected to slot into midfield.
Meanwhile Madine, a recent permanent signing from Carlisle, is not eligible having already appeared for the Cumbrians in the competition. Neil Mellor is hoping to step in alongside Neil Morrison in attack.
Lewis Buxton missed out in midweek with a hamstring problem and fellow defender Jon Otsemobor remains sidelined with a calf injury which means Megson has a big espace to fill at right back.
Isaiah Osbourne, on-loan from Aston Villa, is eligible and Tommy Miller could return to the squad after missing the last six games due to a hamstring injury. The good news is that midfielder Darren Potter could return after missing out in midweek through illness.
Take Birmingham to win this match.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Birmingham to win 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Birmingham to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Birmingham and give the 3/4 ball.
