Birmingham look to continue their push for play-offs against Fulham

The Blues host Fulham this weekend at home as they look to their push towards a play-off spot. Birmingham were defeated by Cardiff in their last game but prior to that had won back-to-back games against Blackburn and Luton. Scott Parker’s Fulham, meanwhile, are struggling for form as they’ve won just one of their last five.

Team news

The home side will welcome back David Stockdale and Jefferson Montero, with both recovering from recent injuries. However, they will be without Gary Gardner and Maikel Kieftenbeld, who are both missing due to injury. Team captain Harlee Dean is also out after he was given a red card against Cardiff.

Fulham are expected to be missing Joe Bryan and Harry Arter as both continue their recoveries from recent injuries.

Pep Clotet’s pre-game thoughts:

“I am expecting the Fulham game will be a fight for possession, Fulham like to keep the ball and create chances, we need to make sure we get on the ball as much as possible, the game will probably be decided by percentages in possession.”

Scott Parker’s pre-game thoughts:

“They’re a good side with some good players, at home they’re a very good team. We all understand that. Every time I’ve played there it’s always been a tough game, a very hostile place to go. They’ve got players who can cause teams one or two problems, which we’ve seen this year.”

Head-to-head

Birmingham and Fulham have met a total of 17 times. Both sides are even at 6 wins, 5 draws and 1 loss to each-other, although, the Blues are currently unbeaten in the last 3 home games against the Cottagers. They haven’t been beaten at St. Andrews by the London side since 2014.