Liverpool v Blues Preview

By Aydan
January 30 2006

Liverpool vs Birmingham City Preview. Steve Bruce's men face the European Champions at Anfield looking to make it four games unbeaten. New signing Martin Latka is also expected to start following his move from Slavia Prague.

Liverpool vs Birmingham City
1st February 2005
FA Premier League

Birmingham City will be looking to build on the 5-0 victory over Portsmouth last time out. The Blues travel to Anfield with Kenny Cunningham, Jamie Clapham and Martin Taylor all injured but new signing Martin Latka available to play.

With just one defeat in their last six games Birminghams recent form has been a massive improvement on their 2005 form, and the Blues will hope to come away from Merseyside with at least a point.

Chris Sutton is again expected to lead the front line for the Blues but there is a question mark over whether Emile Heskey or Mikael Forssell will accompany him. Forssell has hit two goals in three games coming off the bench and helped turn the game around when he came on against Reading at the weekend.

David Dunn is another player pushing for a starting place after two goals in as many games. Dunn, like Forssell, has put in some impressive displays for the Blues in recent games and the ex-Blackburn midfielder will be hoping to displace Jiri Jarosik on the left of midfield.

Matty Upson will go straight back into the first team following his one game suspension and Upson is expected to be partnered by new signing Martin Latka, should Martin Taylor's injury prevent him from taking part at Anfield.

For Liverpool, new signing Robbie Fowler is expected to play some part in the game following his free transfer from Manchester City. Ex-Villa beanpole Peter Crouch should also return after being named as a substitute against Portsmouth on Sunday.

Memorable Match:

Birmingham City 1 Liverpool 1
Worthington Cup Final 2001

Blues narrowly missed out on their first piece of silverware in the first game to be played at the Millenium Stadium. Robbie Fowler put Liverpool ahead midway through the first half but a late Darren Purse penalty took the game to extra time.

Birmingham should have had another penalty in extra time but for a poor refereeing decision by David Elleray. Eventully a brave Blues side were defeated on penalty's when Andrew Johnson missed the vital spotkick.

Last Time Out:

Birmingham City 2 Liverpool 2
24th September 2005

Neil Kilkenny was sent off on his Birmingham debut after handling the ball on the line. Djibril Cisse converted the resulting spotkick to salvage a point for Liverpool after a Stephen Warnock own goal and a Walter Pandiani strike had given Blues the lead.

Played For Both Teams:

Steve Finnan - Signed by Barry Fry but was sold on to Fulham without ever really getting a chance in the first team.
Emile Heskey - Steve Bruce bought the England striker in the Summer of 2004 for £6m.

BNO Prediction

Liverpool 1 Birmingham 1
Chris Sutton to get his first goal for the club!