City were humbled by the Hollywood riches of Wrexham on Saturday, and the hits keep coming with the first of two visits in the space of a couple of weeks by the biggest spenders in the division in a match that was rearranged due to international call-ups. Things might have been different had Caleb Watts’ goal in the first half been allowed to stand – the video suggests he was onside when put through – but City’s weakness from crosses into the box was exposed as all three goals for Wrexham came from this avenue. Ben Purrington was withdrawn at half time on Saturday but will expect to keep his place, but with a busy fixture list Gary Caldwell may be tempted to shuffle his pack elsewhere. Your writer has tried in vain to ascertain whether Ryan Woods remains suspended – he was due a suspension for the yellow card against Lincoln anyway but the second yellow may have increased the ban to two matches. Kevin McDonald made his second debut from the bench but may be brought into the starting line-up on Tuesday.
Perhaps the biggest surprise last season was Birmingham’s relegation to the third tier for the first time in around 30 years. However, like Wrexham the Blues can count on wealthy celebrity American backing, including NFL legend Tom Brady. With this backing, new manager Chris Davies was able to splash the cash in a manner more akin to the second tier than the third – with the record transfer fee for this level being paid for Jay Stansfield following a successful loan spell from Fulham last season. Stansfield, Birmingham’s top scorer with eight in all competitions including six in just eight league starts, is guaranteed a rousing reception having left the field in tears after scoring a hat-trick and celebrating in front of the stand that bears his father’s name in his last appearance for City. He is just one of a galaxy of stars brought in to propel Birmingham not just back into the second tier but to emulate Ipswich in heading back to the top flight, with Alfie May, a goal machine at this level for the likes of Cheltenham and Charlton, also providing firepower. Another familiar face in the side will be Luke Harris, who made a big impression on loan to City from Fulham last season. Results have tailed off slightly in the last couple of weeks, including a shock 3-2 reverse at bottom side Shrewsbury on Saturday in Gareth Ainsworth’s first match in charge in Shropshire.
The sides briefly crossed swords in the league in the early 90s, latterly in the 91/92 season where the matches took on extra significance following Terry Cooper’s move to Birmingham in the summer of 1991. Both sides won the home fixture – City won 2-1 at the Park while Birmingham triumphed 1-0 at St Andrews. With Birmingham having picked up four points from this fixture the previous season, the league head to head is 2-1 in the Blues’ favour with one draw.
The match officials for this game will be
Referee: Alex Chilowicz
Assistant Referees: Jack Clench and Kevin Morris
Fourth Official: Matthew Russell
Alex Chilowicz spent part of last season refereeing in the USA, he now referees in the EFL and took charge of our game away to Wigan last February which City won 2-1.
