Birmingham v Palace – Team news preview

Last updated : 18 August 2006 By Nik Taylor

Peter Taylor has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Palace's trip to St Andrews, as the Eagles look to continue their 100% start to the season.

However, a reshuffle from the team that started against Leeds last Sunday does seem likely. The 4-5-1 formation utilised in the first half struggled to get the better of a Leeds side that was reduced to ten men after only 15 minutes.

It was only when the Eagles reverted to 4-4-2 in the second half that any real chances were created – so expect to see us play a front pairing tomorrow.

That will probably mean a starting spot for Dougie Freedman alongside James Scowcroft, as Clinton Morrison has still not convinced Taylor of his match fitness.

Ben Watson will likely drop down to the bench.

Birmingham have just signed striker Gary McSheffrey from Coventry and he is expected to start – probably alongside former Eagle Mikael Forsell.

Probable Palace XI:

Kiraly
Butterfield Hudson Cort Granville
Soares Fletcher Kennedy McAnuff
Scowcroft Freedman