The Blues last won at Old Trafford in January 1978 and Alex McLeish will be looking to get one over on his old manager. Sir Alex has an enviable record against his former players having lost only 5 of 65 games.
The opposition
A further reason for home side optimism ahead of the game will be the destabilising effect of the loss of key defender Scott Dann from Birmingham's back line. His partnership with Roger Johnson has been the main reason behind their solid defensive record that has seen them concede only 26 goals in the League this season (joint 8th best). Dann has had surgery this week on a torn hamstring and it looks like Liam Ridgewell will again deputise. Another reason for their lack of goals conceded is the form of ex United goalkeeper Ben Foster who has enjoyed an excellent start to his career at St Andrew's.
The main reason for the visitors lowly league position is their lack of firepower. Just 21 from the same number of games means that only Wigan are below them in the goals scored table. Their leading scorer is midfielder Craig Gardner with four. It is little wonder that boss Alex McLeish is on the lookout for a quality forward in the transfer window. Jerome and Zigic only have 5 goals between them all season. One good signing made by Brum is the loan acquisition of David Bentley from Spurs who will bring much needed skill and crossing ability to a midfield that will have the likes of Ferguson and Bowyer trying to upset United's rhythm.
Another variable to throw into the mix is the fact that the Blues may have their attention firmly on next week's Carling Cup semi final vs West Ham. Although their current league position looks precarious and they should be focussed on getting something from tomorrow's game, the chance of getting to Wembley does not come around too often so having one eye on this is understandable.
United
The Reds will go into the game on the back of a run of four wins and two draws from their last six league matches. They will be confident of adding three points to their tally in their pursuit of a record 19th title. The makeup of the team will be very interesting with the next few games coming thick and fast so the boss will carefully plan his lineup with this in mind. I would hope that Fabio will be given the right back slot in the absence of his brother especially as it is a home game and there is no need for a defensive full back like O'Shea or Brown.
The selection in centre midfield is much more difficult to pick. Presuming United will play two wingers and two up front (Nani, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov likely), then that leaves two slots available. I think that Paul Scholes will be given a run out in order to build up match fitness. Anyone who saw the master class he provided in the midweek reserve fixture against Bury without breaking sweat will be glad to see the Ginger Genius back where he belongs. Granted, the opposition were not up to the usual standard but the way he strolled through the game and managed to wield his usual influence on the back of being out for a while was impressive.
I am sure the packed home crowd will want Anderson to slot in alongside Scholes tomorrow. This would be an exciting gamble by Fergie but one that has been used in the past even if neither is particularly strong defensively. More likely I feel is Carrick being the one selected and then the young Brazilian takes over from Scholes after an hour when the opposition are tiring when his dribbling and high energy could prove effective. A 4-5-1 formation is possible on Tuesday vs Blackpool where Fletcher will probably come back in. Whether a team top of the table with the talent of United should be choosing this formation against plucky minnows like them is a question for another day.
I would fully expect Rooney and Berbatov to be picked up front with both in need of a goal to boost confidence. After his goal against West Brom, many expected this to be the kick start to a purple patch of scoring for the United number 10 but an injury picked up later in the match put paid to this. Rooney is a player who scores in runs of matches so lets hope that a goal tomorrow will lead to a tally in the games to come. The Bulgarian could be placed in the same bracket with eight of his league goals coming in just two games (Liverpool and Blackburn) and United certainly need their front two to fire them towards the title finishing line. Maybe the early season loss of Valencia could be a contributing factor to Rooney's lack of firepower following last season when his assists were a common feature.
Predicted Team and Formation
Predicted Result
I am going to go for a comfortable 2-0 with goals from Rooney and Nani. I expect the first half to be tight and it may take half and hour to break Birmingham down. If the first goal comes early then it could mean three or four. United'sRidgewell who can be dangerous.
As for our title rivals, I would expect Arsenal to cruise past Wigan, City to draw against Villa, Spurs to draw against Newcastle and Chelsea to edge past Bolton.
What are your predictions for the weekend? Do you agree with my guess at the team and formation? Please comment below.
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