Analysis:

Birmingham will have to face another London club after losing to Chelsea 3-0 in midweek. Before the defeat to Chelsea, Birmingham were unbeaten for 15 games. At the start of the season many had expected them to be battling against relegation. But they have exceeded all expectations now.

Birmingham are now in the top half of the table thanks to a strong work ethic as well as good defence. McLeish is expected to add to his squad before the end of the transfer window, and is near to completing a move for Lens striker Aruna Dindane. That means the present players may have to work harder for a place in the team.

Tottenham forward Roman Pavlyuchenko is being targetted by McLeish but he will not feature for Spurs as he is down with a groin injury. Birmingham will remain in eight spot no matter what the outcome is today.

Tottenham on the other hand is pushing for a UEFA Champions League spot. In midweek they beat Fulham 2-0 and will be riding high on confidence. The victory against the Cottagers was their first in three games after a poor run of results. They came under fire after the draw against League One Side Leeds United in the FA Cup.

Now Manager Harry Redknapp wants back to back wins as they look to fight off competition from Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa for a top-four finish.

As for the team news, Birmingham have new £3million midfielder Craig Gardner available to start here. Gardner, who joined on a four-and-a-half year deal from local rivals Aston Villa earlier in the week,is the only change from the side that lost to Chelsea.

Kevin Phillips is still missing with a groin problem but fellow forward Cameron Jerome is fit after no ill effects from his ankle injury against Chelsea.

Spurs, will be without star winger Aaron Lennon, who may face another three weeks out with a groin injury. At the back there could also be changes as Jonathan Woodgate is out and Ledley King having played the full 90 minutes against Fulham. Niko Kranjcar may return after missing the game in midweek with an illness, while goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes also faces a late test.

For the record, Birmingham have gone seven home games unbeaten in the league and defeated Spurs 4-1 the last time the Londoners visited St Andrews in 2008.

But I will go on current form and Tottenham to get the better of Birmingham here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Tottenham 1-0 or 2-0

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Tottenham to win this match.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Tottenham and give the 1/4 ball here.