(Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
Arsenal vs Birmingham
Saturday 17 October 2009,
Emirates Stadium
English Premier League Football
Kick-Off: 15:00
Arsenal
Arsenal welcome Birmingham to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with a full head of steam. The Londoners have won their previous three Premier League matches by the combined total of 11-2.
Summer signing Thomas Vermaelen has proven to not only be a solid defender, but a real threat from set pieces for Arsenal as well. The Belgian scored again in the victory over Blackburn to bring his season total to four goals in seven matches since his transfer from Ajax.
In addition to Arsenal’s fine form, they will be boosted by the return of Theo Walcott. Recovering from a lengthy back injury, the young English phenom made his first appearance of the season for Arsenal as a substitute against Blackburn and could be in line for his first start on Saturday in this Arsenal vs Birmingham match.
Manuel Almunia is also expected to return to the starting eleven following a chest infection, though Eduardo, who missed Croatia’s recent World Cup qualifiers, will likely miss out again with a groin injury.
Birmingham
Birmingham make the trip to London with their form pointing in the opposite direction, following consecutive 2-1 defeats to Burnley and Bolton. Alex McLeish will be hoping that his team can turn things around ahead of the tough task that awaits them in Saturday's Arsenal v Birmingham clash.
Birmingham have made a habit of playing tight games this season, and through the first eight games of the 2009/10 campaign, they have neither won nor lost by a margin greater than one goal.
Still, having collected only seven points from eight games played, it is becoming more and more apparent that Birmingham City will likely find themselves in a relegation battle, yet again.
Cameron Jerome will likely be fully fit after an ankle injury ruled him out of the clash against Burnley. Stuart Parnaby is also expected to be fit, though Christian Benitez may be rested after partaking in Ecuador’s recent World Cup qualifiers.
Prediction
Birmingham managed to hold Arsenal to two draws during the 2007/08 campaign, with the Arsenal vs Birmingham City fixture ending in a 1-1 draw whilst the reverse fixture finished 2-2.
While upsets are always a threat, it’s hard to imagine Birmingham will really trouble Arsenal given their lack of attacking prowess.
Still, Birmingham rarely lose by large margins and have a tendency to make tight games of contests which would seem lopsided at first glance.
Arsenal v Birmingham Prediction: Arsenal 2 - Birmingham 1
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Don't forget to read our other weekend Premier League previews. Aston Villa vs Chelsea at Villa Park should be a top match, whilst Sunderland vs Liverpool will be a huge test for Rafa Benitez's men.
Lastly, Manchester United vs Bolton should be easy enough for the Red Devils, but Bolton have been in good form of late so it could be a close one.
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