Wolves v Birmingham
Football : England : Premier League
Molineux, Wolverhampton
Sunday 29th November 2009 - Kickoff Midday

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Wolves (19th) Home : 1-2-3 5:10

As many predicted, wolves have struggled this season following promotion from the Championship and occupy 19th place. They have conceded eight goals in their last two games, albeit these were against Arsenal and Chelsea.

At home Wolves have only won once (Fulham). The home defeats to Portsmouth and West Ham were particularly disappointing for Wolves, these are the sorts of games they need to win if they are to survive.

Manager Mick McCarthy has this week announced for anyone that didn’t know ... Wolves are officially in a relegation fight.

Wolves have drawn their last two local games. A 2-2 draw at Stoke and a 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa, both a month ago.

Birmingham (13th) Away : 1-1-4 6:10

Birmingham Manager Alex McLeish’s team reflect the man himself. They are tough, pragmatic and they grind out results.

The Blues are in a good run, having taken eight points from a possible twelve. They are unbeaten since losing at Arsenal in mid-October, a run which includes creditable draws with Man City and Liverpool.

Birmingham’s away record is poor but note that their six away games include Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United.

Playing against local sides, Birmingham drew at home to Stoke in August and lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa.

Team News

According to the BBC, positive news for Wolves as striker Kevin Doyle and defender Michael Mancienne return. Zubar may also play.

No new injuries or suspensions for Birmingham.

The Betting Verdict

This game is not as big a derby as Wolves v West Brom or Birmingham v Aston Villa, but it is still enough of a derby for derby rules to apply.

There is evidence that derby games are a leveller, and that backing the draw in these games is the most profitable long term strategy.

Birmingham are the form side and look most likely winners here, but Wolves do come off the back of two very tough games and are at home. All things considered, the draw is the biggest price of the three outcomes and looks to be the percentage call.

Likely scorelines here are 0-0, 0-1, 1-1, so it is also worth considering the under 2.5 goals market.

The Statistics :

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Wolves 30% - Draw 35% - Birmingham 35%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

The DRAW looks the percentage call.

Also consider UNDER 2.5 GOALS.