Match Preview | Birmingham City vs. Cardiff City

Cardiff City face Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Tuesday evening (14/02), 7.45pm KO.

Tickets will be available to buy from the away turnstiles - find out more here!

OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT

The Blues’ manager is John Eustace, who was appointed Head Coach back in July 2022.

During his playing days, the former midfielder had an established career in the EFL, representing the likes of Coventry City, Stoke City, Watford and Derby County.

In management, Eustace has spent two years at Kidderminster Harriers, whilst also enjoying assistant roles with Queens Park Rangers and the Republic of Ireland.

So far this campaign, Eustace has led the Blues to 17th in the Championship, claiming an impressive 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion last time out.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER

Birmingham City’s main danger is top scorer Scott Hogan, who has ten league goals so far this campaign.

The striker averages a goal every 240 minutes, with a shot accuracy of 65%, also contributing with two assists.

Hogan’s most recent goal came in a dramatic 4-3 victory over Swansea City, in which the Blues netted twice in added time to claim victory.

CLUB CONNECTION | NEIL ETHERIDGE

In their trip to St Andrew’s, the Bluebirds could go head-to-head with former goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

The Philippines international joined City in 2017 on a free transfer which turned out to be an excellent piece of business.

Etheridge played a huge part in the Club’s promotion in the 2017/18 season, featuring in 45 out of 46 league matches, keeping 19 clean sheets and conceding just 37 goals.

The following campaign, Etheridge became the first player from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to play in the Premier League.

Since his departure to Birmingham City in September 2020, Etheridge has made 64 league appearances.

FIRST AND LAST | BLUEBIRDS VS BLUES

The first meeting between Cardiff City and Birmingham City came back in September 1920.

At Ninian Park, the Bluebirds claimed a narrow 2-1 victory, with prolific striker Jimmy Gill on the scoresheet for City, along with Arthur Cashmore.

At the end of the campaign, both sides finished on 58 points, which saw them finish first and second in the Second Division respectively. The Blues’ superior goal difference saw them claim top spot, while City were promoted in second.

Fast forward to the most recent meeting between the two sides, which was back in August this season, and the Bluebirds were again victorious.

A brilliant move led to Callum O’Dowda crossing for Jaden Philogene to net his first City goal, which proved to be the difference.