Matchpack: Wolves v Birmingham preview
Posted Sunday, December 12, 2010 by UK.eurosport.yahoo.com
TEAM NEWS
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has no major fresh injury problems.
On-loan Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb is still recovering from the hamstring injury suffered during the draw at Fulham and striker James McFadden is City's only long term injury casualty with knee ligament damage - although McLeish is optimistic the Scotland international could return before the end of the season.
McLeish has to decide whether to recall Serbian striker Nikola Zigic or persevere with the 4-5-1 formation which earned a 1-1 home draw with Tottenham last weekend.
Dave Edwards has declared himself available for Wolves. The midfielder has rejoined full training after recovering from a thigh problem which has kept him out of the last four games.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has doubts over Michael Mancienne (knee) and David Jones (foot), while Karl Henry (knee) and Adlene Guedioura (leg) are long-term injuries and David Davis is suspended.
MATCH FACTS
Birmingham are unbeaten in their last nine league meetings with Wolves, winning four, including the last three in a row.
It is 10 Premier League games since Wolves last kept a clean sheet at Molineux, but only one team (Arsenal) has prevented them from scoring in that period.
Birmingham have won none of their last 13 Premier League away matches, but have drawn three of the last four.
Wolves are the only side in the Premier League without a clean sheet so far this season.
Wolves have lost five of their last six Premier League matches.
Birmingham have lost just one of their last eight Premier League matches, drawing five of the other seven.
Referee Martin Atkinson has awarded the most penalties (7) in the Premier League this season and the most red cards (7).
Only Gareth Bale (130) has attempted more crosses (excl. corners) than Wolves’ Matt Jarvis (123) in the Premier League this season.
Ben Foster has dropped six crosses in the Premier League this season, two more than any other goalkeeper.
Only Jon Obi Mikel has made more passes than Barry Ferguson in the Premier League this season (1032).
ODDS
Wolves 7/5, Draw 9/4, Birmingham 2/1
PA Sport / Opta
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