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[monks data]
Blackpool
Championship
Feb 22, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Birmingham logo

1-2

Keogh (22')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Novak (63', 82')

Preview: Blackpool vs. Birmingham City

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Championship clash between out-of-form Blackpool and troubled Birmingham at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool fans must be wondering whether they will ever win a match again ahead of their Championship meeting with Birmingham City at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.

A goalless draw against Ipswich Town made it 15 games without a win for the Seasiders, who have slipped from playoff contenders to potential relegation candidates.

A substantial gap of 11 points still separates them from the bottom three, but on current form they won't open that gap up much and, with 22nd-placed Charlton Athletic having three games in hand, things could begin to get uncomfortable for Blackpool soon.

If there is a positive to be taken, it is that they have drawn their last two matches, which is at least an improvement on a woeful spell of two points from a possible 39 before that.

Blackpool lasted tasted victory at the end of November, and it is unsurprisingly a club-record run without a win now for the Tangerines.

In comparison to their overall form, their home performances have been a little more promising, with three draws and three defeats in their last six matches.

However, Barry Ferguson will be desperate for that elusive victory, and he could have Neal Bishop back available after two months out. Jack Robinson is doubtful, however.

Birmingham, meanwhile, have had a disappointing season themselves and it took another twist this week when reports emerged that they had sacked manager Lee Clark's coaching team.

A club statement refusing to discuss the matter only served to add more confusion to the situation, and Clark may well have other things on his mind as he prepares his team for Saturday's match.

They, like Blackpool, are not yet safe from relegation, with just nine points separating them from the drop zone.

Charlton's three games in hand make their position all the more precarious, and the Blues will be desperate to take advantage of Blackpool's inability to win in order to edge further away from the bottom three.

Curiously, Birmingham's away form has been their saving grace so far this season, amassing 20 points on their travels compared to just 13 in front of their own fans.

They have only won one of their last seven games in all competitions, but just two defeats and five wins in their last nine league games on the road makes for much better reading.

Jonathan Spector is nearing a return from injury, but Saturday's match could come too soon for him as he is likely to join Neal Eardley, Matthew Green and Mitch Hancox on the sidelines.

Recent form

Blackpool: LDLLDD

Birmingham: LLDWLL

Possible starting lineups

Blackpool: Gilks; McMahon, Broadfoot, Mackenzie, Halliday; Dobbie, Perkins, Basham, Bishop; Keogh, Davies

Birmingham: Randolph; Caddis, Packwood, Martin, Robinson; Adeyemi, Huws; Burke, Novak, Lee; Macheda

Sports Mole says: 1-1


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