Friday 1 November 2013

'Must win' match for Blues

Birmingham City manager Lee Clark has declared that tomorrow's match against Charlton is a 'must win' game for his side. He concedes that Charlton are 'very solid' and very strong defensively: Blues

Blues have been hampered by financial problems. Their majority shareholder and one time celebrity hairdresser, Carson Yeung, has just been standing trial in Hong Kong for money laundering. There will not be a verdict until next year and in the meantime the club is in limbo. Rumours of takeovers have come to nothing and it may be that prospective purchasers hope that the club will go into administration, ensuring a reduced price.

Scottish winger Chris Burke returns to contention for Birmingham. Striker Jesse Lingard and left-back David Murphy (both knee injuries) are not yet ready to return, while new signing Dariusz Dudka needs to build up his match fitness. Yann Kermorgant and Richard Wood are injury doubts for Charlton. Kermorgant landed on his ankle against Wigan, while defender Wood is struggling to overcome a dead leg.

It's certainly a six pointer for both clubs, but the outcome may well be one point each. Last season the game ended in a 1-1 draw and another stalemate is certainly a possibility. Odds are: Birmingham 11/8; draw 9/4; Charlton 2/1.

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