Birmingham are
without midfielder Nicky Butt who is ineligible as he is on loan from
Newcastle. Jarosik and Clemence who have both been back in training this
week after being sidelined by hamstring problems are in the squad.
England striker Michael Owen who has not played since fracturing a
metatarsal on December 31, will be in the Newcastle squad but may have
to start from the bench. Midfielder Emre could also be back in
contention after recovering from a groin problem, as is defender Steven
Taylor after his return from a dislocated shoulder. Kieron Dyer and Lee
Bowyer (both hamstring) and Scott Parker (glandular fever) are out for
the season.
Premiership
survival will not be in their own hands when 18th place Birmingham play
Newcastle for the final game at St.Andrews. They play Bolton at the
Reebok in the other remain game. If 17th place Portsmouth win their game
away at Wigan and they do not beat Newcastle today it will be
Championship football next season for Birmingham. But not be easy than
said when up against a resurgent Newcastle side bidding for a late
charge to claim a UEFA Cup slot and coming into this match searching for
a 6th straight league win on the trot. The home side will, like always,
be fighting hard but again going to be let down by their inability to
score the goals necessary to win games. Not on a - 1/4 ball in handicap
against a confident Newcastle side still has very much to play for.
Probable lineups:
Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Vaesen, Melchiot, Sadler, Painter,
Bruce, Martin Taylor, Latka, Cunningham, Jarosik, Clemence, Johnson,
Izzet, Kilkenny, Pennant, Heskey, Forssell, Campbell.
Newcastle: Given, Harper, Carr, Ramage, Bramble, Moore, Boumsong,
Taylor, Elliott, Babayaro, Solano, N'Zogbia, Emre, Faye, Clark, Pattison,
Brittain, O'Brien, Luque, Owen Ameobi, Chopra.
Referee: M.Atkinson
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