So here we go, it’s the last of our European group matches and maybe our last European game for a very long time. Like most Blues fans I have enjoyed our European adventure and while it may have affected our league form a little I’d like it to continue. It’s been a different experience for us and every game has been well attended. I expect tonight’s game to be no different even though we are not expected to qualify.
I like the fact that the equation is simple. We have to win and Braga have to win in Bruges. There’s no mental match mayhem required unlike the end of the last Premiership season. Bruges remarkable comeback in Maribor two weeks ago was a real hammer blow for us as it took things out of our hands. While I am confident of a Birmingham win I’m not sure about how Braga will approach their game having already qualified. Fulham’s last second knock out last night showed that anything can happen though.
As for team news I’ve heard that Stephen Carr will again be rested and that Jordon Mutch will make a welcome return to the squad. He may not play though as he has had zero match practice so may only come on if the game has already been decided. Carr not playing will mean Spector moving to right back and N’Daw coming into midfield assuming he has got over the injury that forced him off against Doncaster. I hope he does play as I was impressed with him on Saturday. Up front it remains to be seen if Chris Hughton goes with the Euro pairing of Zigic and Rooney or brings in Wood and King. With our next game not till Monday night I see no reason to not field a strong team.
Whatever happens tonight it has been fun.
My prediction Blues 2 Maribor 0.
he should field the strongest team possible then hopefully if the job’s done by 70th min give some a rest.or if he plays a weaker forward line at the start and we still need to go for a win around the 60th min the he makes the subs then and not 75 min or later. give the subs a good chance to get into the game. he did vs bruges and we got back in it..
whatever happens it’s a fun night with no pressure so let’s all enjoy it and SING your hearts out no matter what the score is, ffs SING.
So looking forward to tonight’s match but with the usual trepidation that only Bluenoses can appreciate. Why, oh why, do Blues do this to us every time? Having to rely on someone else’s result to guarantee we progress onto the next stage! WHY… ’cause we’re Birmingham City & we never do things the easy way!
But whether we win, lose or draw tonight I want to thank my beloved team for giving us this wonderful journey… wouldn’t have missed it for the world KRO