Birmingham City at home match thread

[Jerseybean]

Brum at the Gate and it’s a big game given both teams league position. The Blues have picked up just four points out of their last 15 available, whereas we have have earned five.

They will be backed by 2,503 fans and there will be 20,000 + in attendance.

NP pre-match:

 

 

 

 

ZV pre-match:

 

 

Our match preview: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/match-preview-birmingham-city-h-1/

Their match preview: https://bluesfocus.co.uk/2023/01/11/match-preview-blues-vs-bristol-city/

They have a good recent record against us, having only lost one of the previous eight encounters and doing the double over us last season. Our overall record isn’t encouraging. Over the years we’ve won 18, drawn 17 and lost 37.

In early October we just didn’t turn up at St Andrew’s as they scored three goals, all from set pieces, without reply. It was a very, very, poor performance from us in which we managed no shots on target. NP was blunt in his post-match reflections, saying:  “It was awful – there is no defence for that performance today. It’s not acceptable. There’s no defence for us to give three points away in that fashion” here’s his post-match interview:

Here are the ‘highlights’:

 

 

In July they appointed John Eustace as their Head Coach, he signed a three year contract. Prior to this he was assistant manager at Queens Park Rangers, helping the Hoops to achieve two top-half finishes and install a distinct football philosophy across four years in West London.

Last Saturday their game away to FGR in the FA cup was called off due to a water-logged pitch.

This window, so far, they have added defender Kevin Long on a short-term deal from Championship leaders Burnley. They also secured Germany Under-21 forward Reda Khadraloan on a loan deal https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64221502 on Tuesday and the footballing gods will certainly ensure he scores against us, as we’d been interested in signing him!

We will be without Tommy and Andi….. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-weimann-conway-injuries-8018324?utm_source=bristol_live_newsletter&utm_campaign=bcfc_newsletter2&utm_medium=email

They are close to welcoming back Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Dion Sanderson the centre-back has nearly recovered from a hamstring problem. Manager John Eustace confirmed that the injury was nothing more than a ‘slight strain’, though Sanderson does remain a doubt ahead of the game.

Top scorer Scott Hogan is finally fit after a fairly lengthy spell on the sidelines but midfielder George Hall has hit a setback. The youngster was nearly back from a calf issue but he will spend a while longer recovering.

Match officials - referee John Busby. Lino’s Mark Pottage and Nigel Lugg, fourth official James Linington.

Brum banter

• The FA cup was made in Birmingham.
• They were actually formed by a group of cricketers in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham, back in 1875. The lads were looking to play competitive football and just two years later, the club moved into its first ground, Muntz Street. The rent was £5-a-year!
• They were the first side to sell a player for £1 million.  The man in question being Trevor Francis, who is arguably one of the best players in the club’s long history. He scored 133 goals in 328 appearances but in 1970 he moved to Nottingham Forest for £1 million.
• In February 2011 the Blues lifted their first major silverware for over 55 years when the overcame Arsenal in the League Cup final. Goals from Nikola Zigic and Obafemi Martins gave Birmingham a place in the modern-day history books but it was a season that ended in disappointment. They were relegated on the last day of the season following a 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane which meant in two seasons, Birmingham had won major silverware, been relegated, competed in the Europa League and lost a two-legged play-off semi final the season later. Pretty hectic stuff!
• Iconic brands Birds Custard, Cadbury Chocolate, Bournville Drinking Chocolate, HP Source and Typhoo Tea all started in Birmingham.
• Famous fans include: Jasper Carrot - Comedian, Colin Buchanan - Dalziel and Pascoe star, Roy Wood - Christmas-loving frontman of Wizzard, David Harewood - Actor (Homeland), Mike Skinner - Singer from The Streets and Jeff Lynne - ELO legend.

[Mattredrobin]

Actually looking forward to the game this week, I think the injuries to Andi and Tommy could force Nigel's hand with the formation so will be interesting to see what he does or maybe he will just revert to the usual 3-5-2, I'm feeling positive for 3pts, but I dread to think what the atmosphere will be like if we let an early goal in, If people are going to try and create an atmosphere in the dolman corner I hope it's a positive one, we need to get behind the players from the first whistle. C.O.Y.R

[ralphindevon]

After what was easily the worse game I’ve been to this season at St Andrews, this is pay back weekend.

I’m expecting a good game of football, a cracking atmosphere, a first Saturday 3 o’clock home win of the season and a first penalty for 17 years (or whatever it is now)

OK so expecting a penalty is ridiculous but the rest………….

[CloudyThatchers]

Last seasons home game was a shocker as well. 2-0 down after 10 minutes .

This was the game last year when Sam Bell played at right back..  that didn't go well did it!

 

 

[Red Army 75]

Please just win a game of football. Big game tomorrow 

[Son of Fred]

1 hour ago, Jerseybean said:

The Blues have picked up just four points out of their last 15 available, whereas we have have earned five.

Still no 'six pointers' at this stage -

Although this would be a rather bad match to lose!!

[cidered abroad]

Since 1989 the record of results is:

Bristol City Won 8

Draws 4

Brum City Won 17

I live with a Bluenose next door to me. He hasn't watched them for years but will be knocking on my door on Saturday evening IF.... One of probably thousands who have retired here, Burnham On Sea, Berrow and Brean - Brummy accents all over the place. 

So, please, please, please BCFC, the Bristle version, please let me enjoy my Saturday evening Bolognese and red wine. I don't want any of them bloody foreigners yet again taking the mickey. Get stuck into them lads and send them home empty handed. I know it will be unusual for them but turn the tide please.

[elhombrecito]

For some strange reason I'm actually looking forward to this game.

I'm sure that'll last until around 3:10 (optimistically).

[Son of Fred]

3 hours ago, cidered abroad said:

Saturday evening Bolognese and red wine.

Sounds great...

Can't beat a spag bol

Enjoy!

Edited January 13, 2023 by Son of Fred

[sticks 1969]

3 hours ago, cidered abroad said:

Since 1989 the record of results is:

Bristol City Won 8

Draws 4

Brum City Won 17

I live with a Bluenose next door to me. He hasn't watched them for years but will be knocking on my door on Saturday evening IF.... One of probably thousands who have retired here, Burnham On Sea, Berrow and Brean - Brummy accents all over the place. 

So, please, please, please BCFC, the Bristle version, please let me enjoy my Saturday evening Bolognese and red wine. I don't want any of them bloody foreigners yet again taking the mickey. Get stuck into them lads and send them home empty handed. I know it will be unusual for them but turn the tide please.

They certainly come out the woodwork around here when doing well 

[Redandproud]

5 hours ago, Mattredrobin said:

Actually looking forward to the game this week, I think the injuries to Andi and Tommy could force Nigel's hand with the formation so will be interesting to see what he does or maybe he will just revert to the usual 3-5-2, I'm feeling positive for 3pts, but I dread to think what the atmosphere will be like if we let an early goal in, If people are going to try and create an atmosphere in the dolman corner I hope it's a positive one, we need to get behind the players from the first whistle. C.O.Y.R

Well when supporters were up in the Dolman in the last game ,they couldn't be heard over in The  Lansdown, created no atmosphere at all, 

[italian dave]

One positive already….Linington fourth official, not first. 

[Bris Red]

A win of any kind irrespective of performance is what is required tomorrow 

[Jerseybean]

Programme: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/matt-finish-in-the-robins-online-programme/

[ashton_fan]

Unfortunately a draw is probably the best we can do, they are a real bogey team for us, I think we've only one once in the last 11 fixtures here against them

[Garland-sweden]

Payday! COYR 

[City oz]

18 hours ago, Jerseybean said:

Brum at the Gate and it’s a big game given both teams league position. The Blues have picked up just four points out of their last 15 available, whereas we have have earned five.

They will be backed by 2,503 fans and there will be 20,000 + in attendance.

NP pre-match:

 

 

 

 

ZV pre-match:

 

 

Our match preview: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/match-preview-birmingham-city-h-1/

Their match preview: https://bluesfocus.co.uk/2023/01/11/match-preview-blues-vs-bristol-city/

They have a good recent record against us, having only lost one of the previous eight encounters and doing the double over us last season. Our overall record isn’t encouraging. Over the years we’ve won 18, drawn 17 and lost 37.

In early October we just didn’t turn up at St Andrew’s as they scored three goals, all from set pieces, without reply. It was a very, very, poor performance from us in which we managed no shots on target. NP was blunt in his post-match reflections, saying:  “It was awful – there is no defence for that performance today. It’s not acceptable. There’s no defence for us to give three points away in that fashion” here’s his post-match interview:

Here are the ‘highlights’:

 

 

In July they appointed John Eustace as their Head Coach, he signed a three year contract. Prior to this he was assistant manager at Queens Park Rangers, helping the Hoops to achieve two top-half finishes and install a distinct football philosophy across four years in West London.

Last Saturday their game away to FGR in the FA cup was called off due to a water-logged pitch.

This window, so far, they have added defender Kevin Long on a short-term deal from Championship leaders Burnley. They also secured Germany Under-21 forward Reda Khadraloan on a loan deal https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64221502 on Tuesday and the footballing gods will certainly ensure he scores against us, as we’d been interested in signing him!

We will be without Tommy and Andi….. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-weimann-conway-injuries-8018324?utm_source=bristol_live_newsletter&utm_campaign=bcfc_newsletter2&utm_medium=email

They are close to welcoming back Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Dion Sanderson the centre-back has nearly recovered from a hamstring problem. Manager John Eustace confirmed that the injury was nothing more than a ‘slight strain’, though Sanderson does remain a doubt ahead of the game.

Top scorer Scott Hogan is finally fit after a fairly lengthy spell on the sidelines but midfielder George Hall has hit a setback. The youngster was nearly back from a calf issue but he will spend a while longer recovering.

Match officials - referee John Busby. Lino’s Mark Pottage and Nigel Lugg, fourth official James Linington.

Brum banter

• The FA cup was made in Birmingham.
• They were actually formed by a group of cricketers in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham, back in 1875. The lads were looking to play competitive football and just two years later, the club moved into its first ground, Muntz Street. The rent was £5-a-year!
• They were the first side to sell a player for £1 million.  The man in question being Trevor Francis, who is arguably one of the best players in the club’s long history. He scored 133 goals in 328 appearances but in 1970 he moved to Nottingham Forest for £1 million.
• In February 2011 the Blues lifted their first major silverware for over 55 years when the overcame Arsenal in the League Cup final. Goals from Nikola Zigic and Obafemi Martins gave Birmingham a place in the modern-day history books but it was a season that ended in disappointment. They were relegated on the last day of the season following a 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane which meant in two seasons, Birmingham had won major silverware, been relegated, competed in the Europa League and lost a two-legged play-off semi final the season later. Pretty hectic stuff!
• Iconic brands Birds Custard, Cadbury Chocolate, Bournville Drinking Chocolate, HP Source and Typhoo Tea all started in Birmingham.
• Famous fans include: Jasper Carrot - Comedian, Colin Buchanan - Dalziel and Pascoe star, Roy Wood - Christmas-loving frontman of Wizzard, David Harewood - Actor (Homeland), Mike Skinner - Singer from The Streets and Jeff Lynne - ELO legend.

It is probably not what you would call a six- point game but we have to win this one today. A win will keep our faith in NP but more importantly this will emphasize a significant point in supporter hope and some confidence and feeling of belief.

[City oz]

13 hours ago, Son of Fred said:

Sounds great...

Can't beat a spag bol

Enjoy!

A bit of garlic bread on the side 

[FNQ]

Good job again JB

3-1 to us.. we owe ourselves a performance against this lot, for me it was our worst performance (and we’ve had a couple) of this season up at their place.

COYR’s

[Offside]

We desperately need a win today, not least to give the AG crowd a lift.

Plus I really hate Brum. 

[Comanche]

Anybody having a problem running video on Robins TV via App on IPad using latest IOS 16.2? I am finding that video starts then buffers and will not start again.

Runs fine on Iphone using IOS 16.1.

Comments appreciated.

[wendyredredrobin]

Not sure what the team will be today.  How about trying a 442 instead of 352?

O'Leary

Sykes Naismith Atkinson Pring

Scott James Williams Semenyo

Wells Martin

I would have preferred Semenyo up top but couldn't think of anyone suitable to cover the right.

This team could switch to 433 when in posession with Semenyo moving up.

 

[Flagon]

No trains up from Weston-super-Mare. Flooding on the line between here and Bristol but not sure how far up the line other stations impacted. Queues for buses into Bristol massive. 

[Redrascal2]

Obvious to say but we have to start winning home games or we will be going down. What a better way to start that beating Birmingham. COYR.

[old_eastender]

This will be difficult, they completely bullied us all over the pitch in the away game - it felt like all their players were 6ft+.

Big opportunity for Sam Bell over these next few games with Conway out, you'd think would at least get some longer sub time. So far has failed to impress from his cameo sub appearances.

Surely after Swansea game 4-3-3 is the way to go, so we can at least compete in central m/f, but who knows what NP will do.

Have to say don't feel optimistic.

[xerox6060]

21 minutes ago, Flagon said:

No trains up from Weston-super-Mare. Flooding on the line between here and Bristol but not sure how far up the line other stations impacted. Queues for buses into Bristol massive. 

Agreed been to Weston this morning couldn't get back via train, around 10.30 onwards cancelled flooding at Backwell and Long Ashton 

[redsquirrel]

i have a feeling with the window open we might see some heroics from antoine today. just need good clever deliveries to wells who knows where to be if his mates can deliver. hoping to see semenyo,wells and sykes up top in a 433

[David Brent]

Important that we don’t play the way that Birmingham want us to.

Nigel got it very wrong in the corresponding fixture in October but I’m still optimistic today.

Antoine to be unstoppable today.

 

Edited January 14, 2023 by David Brent

[Major Isewater]

4 minutes ago, redsquirrel said:

i have a feeling with the window open we might see some heroics from antoine today. just need good clever deliveries to wells who knows where to be if his mates can deliver. hoping to see semenyo,wells and sykes up top in a 433

If you clean your windows you won’t have to open  one to watch Antoine.

[Roadrunner]

Another matchday, how am i feeling. Not sure, if i feel positive i usually get let down and i try and be positive. If i feel negative i sometimes get a nice surprise. Today i feel nothing , City please don't let us all down.

[David Brent]

I’ve definitely felt a lot worse in the past about going to Ashton Gate. 

Still very much looking forward to it.

[KegCity]

We need a win today by any means necessary, think it’s going to be a tough ask. Hopefully everyone’s behind the team today.

[EstoniaTallinnRed]

Afternoon all!   We all know it's going to be a hard game against a team we very rarely beat, but 3 points are desperately needed. So let's hope the boy's will come out with all guns blazing and show the Brummies who's boss.  A two half performance today will do it, so, COYR's.

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

Tight cagey and slightly drab match eventually decided by a penalty for us in the 89th minute. 1-0. I'm never wrong.

[RUSSEL85]

Trying to be positive today, don’t get much against Brum. Lose and we’re in deep doo doo! I see a draw today but need a positive performance 

[johnbytheriver]

yep! Rotherham1 Blackburn 0 h.t.

[Sir Geoff]

17 minutes ago, johnbytheriver said:

yep! Rotherham1 Blackburn 0 h.t.

Brereton Diaz not playing for 'family' reasons.

[ExiledAjax]

Feeling a little tickle of positivity today. 

[TedsHeadIs Red]

5 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

Feeling a little tickle of positivity today. 

Tell her to stop it. It’s match day. 

[ExiledAjax]

3 minutes ago, TedsHeadIs Red said:

Tell her to stop it. It’s match day. 

Absolutely not, she cost far too much.

[Roadrunner]

With Rotherham 2-0 and us down to  20th. We do not want an away win at Accrington putting you know who. On the edge of the play offs.

[sh1t_ref_again]

Conway and Weimenn are going to be a big miss today as they give us so much of the closing down effort up front 

Just hope we can find a way to win 

[Paulton Red]

Always thought best way to win is to score more goals than we concede

[RedorDead BCFC]

[Sleepy1968]

1 hour ago, KegCity said:

We need a win today by any means necessary, think it’s going to be a tough ask. Hopefully everyone’s behind the team today.

Sadly, and just like this forum, there will be some there willing us to fail.

[mozo]

It'll be good to see Sykes in a more natural position. Has he played anywhere but wing back yet?

[EstoniaTallinnRed]

1 minute ago, Sleepy1968 said:

Sadly, and just like this forum, there will be some there willing us to fail.

Probably mostly Brum supporters!

[grifty]

Looks 5-3-2 to me

[downendcity]

2 minutes ago, Paulton Red said:

Always thought best way to win is to score more goals than we concede

Don't you come on here spouting your fancy football tactics. It might be ok for tippy tappy Pep but it'll never catch on here!

[Sleepy1968]

Just now, RedorDead BCFC said:

How are we setting up? (Coldplay is presumably as good as gone then.)

[RedorDead BCFC]

Martin still not in the 18. 

[Unan]

3 minutes ago, mozo said:

It'll be good to see Sykes in a more natural position. Has he played anywhere but wing back yet?

 

1 minute ago, Tafkarmlf said:

Nice 433??

No idea how today goes..

COYR

Standard 532 isn’t it?

[Sleepy1968]

Just now, EstoniaTallinnRed said:

Probably mostly Brum supporters!

You'd like to think so Me  I haven't got over not relegating them a few years back.

[Alessandro]

Back to 5-3-2 or 4-3-3 again with Sykes pushing up. Hope it’s that personally.

Not feeling massively confident - need a goal to defend because we’ve got little/nothing on the bench if we’re chasing the game.

[mozo]

Just now, Marcus Aurelius said:

 

Standard 532 isn’t it?

Yes with Tanner wing back?

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

2 minutes ago, Sleepy1968 said:

Sadly, and just like this forum, there will be some there willing us to fail.

What a truly pathetic comment. Why would any fan or supporter wish for us to fail and end up in L1 possibly even below the gas??

people might not be at all happy with what's going on at the club but the idea that a BCFC fan wants us to fail is delusional.

[Sir Geoff]

1 minute ago, mozo said:

Yes with Tanner wing back?

Tanner wing back Sykes no.10 role.

[LondonBristolian]

4 minutes ago, RedorDead BCFC said:

Martin still not in the 18. 

Yeah - unless it is due to contract clauses and need to limit his appearances to avoid an extension, I feel he has been a bit harshly treated.

He was not great at the start of the season and I would not start him but sixth or seventh choice seems a bit brutal.

[grifty]

                       O’leary

Sykes Tanner Vyner Atkinson Pring

                 James Naismith

                        Scott

               Semenyo Wells

?

Edited January 14, 2023 by grifty

[Sleepy1968]

8 minutes ago, Marina's Rolls Royce said:

What a truly pathetic comment. Why would any fan or supporter wish for us to fail and end up in L1 possibly even below the gas??

people might not be at all happy with what's going on at the club but the idea that a BCFC fan wants us to fail is delusional.

Let me put it another way: some people want Pearson out more than they want us to succeed.

I'm in the win every game camp  which probably makes me delusional, but hopefully not pathetic.

[Son of Fred]

3 minutes ago, grifty said:

                       O’leary

Sykes Tanner Vyner Atkinson Pring

                 James Naismith

                        Scott

               Semenyo Wells

?

Would like to see this,,but I'm sure it won't be!

[Davefevs]

4 minutes ago, grifty said:

                       O’leary

Sykes Tanner Vyner Atkinson Pring

                 James Naismith

                        Scott

               Semenyo Wells

?

Unlikely I reckon.

Sykes no10 more likely.

Sykes RCM James CM Scott LCM a possibility too

[Port Said Red]

5 minutes ago, grifty said:

                       O’leary

Sykes Tanner Vyner Atkinson Pring

                 James Naismith

                        Scott

               Semenyo Wells

?

I can't see that being likely.

[Andy082005]

2 minutes ago, Sleepy1968 said:

Let me put it another way: some people want Pearson out more than they want us to succeed.

I'm in the win every game camp  which probably makes me delusional, but hopefully not pathetic.

One of the most ridiculous posts I’ve seen 

[grifty]

So more likely;

                          O’leary

tanner Vyner Atkinson Naismith Pring

                      Scott James

                          Sykes

                  Semenyo Wells

[AshtonRobin21]

I think it’s a 4-3-3.

GK - O’Leary

RB - Tanner

RCB - Vyner

LCB - Atkinson

LB - Pring

CDM - Naismith

CM - James

CM - Scott

RW - Sykes

ST - Wells

LW - Semenyo

[David Brent]

Sykes in the Weimann role I guess. Pre-season training videos suggested that’s where we were looking to play him before injuries at RB stopped that. 

[old_eastender]

Rotherham go ahead of us with thumping 4-0 win over Blackburn.

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

7 minutes ago, Sleepy1968 said:

Let me put it another way: some people want Pearson out more than they want us to succeed.

I'm in the win every game camp  which probably makes me delusional, but hopefully not pathetic.

When you find you've dug yourself a hole then it's always best to stop digging.

[1891 B.C. Sweden]

Come On You Reds!!!