Birmingham City: Alex McLeish issues challenge for trip to Sheffield United
ALEX McLeish has challenged Blues to do the business at Sheffield United tomorrow in a ‘proper’ footballing venue.
The manager has called on his players to rise to the occasion at Bramall Lane (12.15pm) just like they did at other grand old English grounds this season.
Blues could do themselves the world of good by recording victory in south Yorkshire and then follow up by seeing off another promotion wannabee Bristol City at St Andrew’s on Wednesday.
“One thing I know is that we have gone to difficult venues this season, real footballing venues like Cardiff and Bristol, and have emerged victorious.
“So that’s in my mind. It’s another one of these challenges for us; Sheffield United are in that category.
“Given the encounter we had with them on the opening day, I felt they would be there or thereabouts.
“They’re organised, tough to beat at the back, and they now have some options as well after the FA Cup tie on Thursday, with players coming back.
“We’ve got two big games, Sheffield United and Bristol, and it’s there before us; we know what we have to do.”
The Blades are seventh, nine points behind Blues. Bristol have shot up to fifth, eight points adrift.
Blues are without the suspended Lee Bowyer and Sebastian Larsson tomorrow. Lee Carsley and probably Hameur Bouazza will come back into the frame and Gary McSheffrey is set to be on the substitutes bench. McLeish is likely to start Marcus Bent and Carlos Costly again, using Cameron Jerome for impact from the bench.
