MATCH FACTS: BIRMINGHAM CITY VS CARDIFF CITY

Club News

Birmingham City vs Cardiff City
Venue: St Andrew's Stadium
Date: Saturday 8th November 2014, 3.00pm KO

LISTEN LIVE ON CARDIFF CITY PLAYER

Cardiff City head to Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon in Sky Bet Championship action. Russell Slade's side will be looking to bounce back from Tuesday evening's loss to Bolton Wanderers, and pick up a first league away win in the process. The Blues, under Gary Rowett, will be aiming for a second home win of the week following Tuesday evening's 2-1 victory over high flying Watford.

Tickets are still available for this match. The ticket office will be open from 9am-12pm on Match Day, with no tickets available for purchase on arrival in Birmingham.

MATCH FACTS
  • Birmingham's last home win over Cardiff came back in March 2007
  • The Blues edge the head-to-head record between the two sides, winning 26 of the 62 matches, to City's 24
  • City are still looking for the elusive first away league win of the campaign
  • In defeating Watford on Tuesday, Birmingham recorded only their second home win of the season
  • Clayton Donaldson has five goals for the Blues this season, while Welshman David Cotterill has five assists

KEY OPPOSITION PLAYER: Clayton Donaldson
Prolific goal-scorer Donaldson played a crucial part in Brentford's 2013/14 promotion winning campaign, but turned down a new contract offer to sign for the Blues in the summer. He has since gone on to score five goals in a struggling Birmingham side, including both goals in the 2-1 win over title-chasing Watford on Tuesday evening. As confidence builds under Gary Rowett's management, Donaldson's record in front of goal is sure to continue.

ONE TO WATCH: Koby Arthur
Arthur was discovered by Birmingham City's Community and Education Foundation programme as a 16-year-old, and later signed for the club's U18 side. Koby's six month youth loan with Cheltenham Town was cut short at the end of September following a number of match-winning performances by the winger, playing seven games and scoring three times. He has since made seven appearances for the Blues first team this season, including starts in both matches for Gary Rowett so far. A goal threat, and lively opponent wherever he plays across the midfield.

RECENT FORM (ALL COMPETITIONS)

Cardiff City: LWWLWL

Last time out: Bolton Wanderers 3-0 Cardiff City - Tuesday 4th November 2014, Sky Bet Championship
It was an evening to forget for Cardiff City, as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium. City went in at the break two goals behind, with Liam Feeney scoring on the volley from two separate crosses in the opening period. While Cardiff fought to try and salvage in the second half, it wasn't to be as the home side increased their lead - Matt Mills' scuffed effort somehow finding it's way into the back of the net to seal the win for the hosts.

Cardiff City: Marshall, Brayford, Fabio, Manga, Whittingham, le Fondre (Maynard), Noone, Macheda, Gunnarsson, Ralls (R Morrison), S Morrison. Subs Not Used: Moore, Connolly, Gabbidon, Turner, Kim.

Birmingham City: DLWLDW

Last time out: Birmingham City 2-1 Watford – Tuesday 4th November 2014, Sky Bet Championship
Clayton Donaldson scored twice to knock Watford off the top of the Championship as Gary Rowett maintained his unbeaten start as Birmingham boss. Donaldson turned in Stephen Gleeson's pass with a deflected shot to put the home side ahead after 80 seconds. Fernando Forestieri brought Watford level quickly, converting Lloyd Doyley's cross at the second attempt. But Donaldson headed in a cross from David Cotterill to seal Birmingham's second win in 26 home league games.

Birmingham City: Randolph, Caddis, Morrison, Robinson, Grounds, Gleeson, Davis, Cotterill, Shinnie (Thomas), Arthur (Gray), Donaldson.Subs Not Used: Eardley, Edgar, Shea, Reilly, Doyle.



LAST COMPETITIVE MEETING

2012/13: Tuesday 1st January 2013, Championship: Birmingham City 0-1 Cardiff City

Joe Mason struck just before half-time as City extended their lead at the top of the Championship to seven points with victory at Birmingham. Republic of Ireland international Mason pounced on a mistake by home goalkeeper Jack Butland, who was unable to secure Craig Conway's shot. While the hosts pressed for an equaliser, they couldn't find a way past the determined Cardiff defence, with the Bluebirds holding on to secure an impressive away win.

* Ravel Morrison played against Cardiff City while on loan with Birmingham City on this occasion.

Birmingham City: Butland, Caldwell, Davies, Spector, Packwood (Hancox), Robinson, Morrison, Elliott (Jervis), Redmond, Reilly (Gomis), Hall. Subs Not Used: Doyle, Pablo, Burke, Henry-Francis.

Cardiff City: Marshall, Hudson, Turner, Connolly, Conway, Kim Bo-Kyung (Noone), Gunnarsson, Mutch (Cowie), Lappin, Mason (Gestede), Bellamy. Subs Not Used: Lewis, McNaughton, Ralls, Helguson..

Tickets are still available for this match. The ticket office will be open from 9am-12pm on Match Day, with no tickets available for purchase on arrival in Birmingham.