MATCHWATCH : Birmingham City (a)

[Sutekh]

When : Saturday August 10, 2024, 5.30pm
Where : St Andrews, Birmingham, B9 4RL
Capacity : 30,016

New season and new hopes that it might once again be spent debating the football rather than the other things.

Back for a season opener at St Andrews for the first time since being done 2-1 there on the opening day of 2015-16, and one game I'm glad to get done and cleared out as soon as it is possible given Brum are probably clear favourites to win the division and expected to bounce back to the second tier in 1 easy go. They've certainly splashed the cash (well in excess of £7.5million) on 8 players with others rumoured to be on the way.

Prolific striker Alfie May, keepers Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Ryan Alsopp, Icelandic international Willum Willumsson, former Swedish youth international Emil Hansson, Austrian Christoph Klarer, Hearts left back Alex Cochrane and Marc Leonard, who spent last season at Northampton, plus highly rated young Fulham striker Luke Harris are the current new faces, however the best players to watch at this stage are probably midfield pair Paik Seung-Ho and Jordan James (not mention, at this level, the continuing presence of the lump that is Lukas Jutkiewicz).

Manager Chris Davies is highly rated and was linked with the Reading manager's role last summer. He has started well with a decent preseason for the blues completing on Saturday with a 4-1 home trouncing of near neighbours WBA so we can consider their stall is well and truly set out for all to see and Reading getting anything out of this game will be seen as quite an achievement, but what a way to start a season it would be.

Whether or not Reading's ownership saga will have been finally sorted out remains to be seen, but certainly the team have acquitted themselves well in preseason against several Championship sides so there is going to be some belief and confidence amongst the group, however it will not be easy at a packed St Andrews with the majority expecting and easy ride and comfortable return to the second tier. Then there's the probable return of cr@p officials once the season gets underway plus the Reading bogey of only winning 8 out of the last 42 televised league games to add to the mix so Ruben has as big a challenge as possible to prepare for at this level.

Yiadom is out until October (apparently an utterly devastating blow according the the Birmingham local media) and Hull's manager complained that Reading's style was too physical but other than that (and the neverending "get rid of Dai" saga) things are looking a little bit brighter for the playing side at last. Just hope the sale completes quickly and Reading can source a decent full back or two from somewhere.

Referee

Will Finnie

Previously...

09 Apr 24 > Bristol Rovers 0-2 Reading
09 Jan 24 > Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Reading (Associate Members Cup)
26 Aug 23 > Exeter City 2-1 Reading

Historically

It took Reading until 1986 before they managed a game of any sort against Birmingham and of the first nine league games played between the sides, seven ended in draws. Therefore I find that games against Birmingham City, particularly at home, always have a feel of extremely dour tedium about them.

Since 1986 the two teams have become fairly regular opponents in the league (this is the 22nd season together) and have now played each other in each of the three highest tiers in the league.

While Birmingham are starting to become a bit of the proverbial bogey team at the SCL (on the positive side, that's showing an improvement in Reading's overall league status as I remember when the bogey team used to be Bury!) Reading do seem to do slightly better against the Blues in their own back yard as the Biscuitmen have recorded 8 wins which is very nearly the same number that Birmingham themselves have managed.

Usually there are goals in this game and a clean sheet for either side is a bit unlikely so who would bet against the first ever 0-0 at St Andrews?

How to follow the game

1. Get a ticket and go
2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
3. Ring/text a mate for updates
4. Use a RoyalsTV subscription
5. Sky
6. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM ; 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4, BBC iPlayer Radio (other radio apps are available ))

[Snowflake Royal]

Still hoping we'll find a fit RB down the back of the sofa or behind the fridge.

Personally I'd start out a little cautious on this one, with:

.........................Pereira
oxf*rd, Mbengue, Kanu, Osho
....................Craig.....Wing
....Azeez...........Knibbs.......Camara
..........................Smith

Assuming Bindon isn’t ready. I think Camara offers a bit more pace and closing and Big Kev can make an impact from.the bench.

But it'll be

.....................Pereira
Craig, Mbengue, Kanu, Garcia
.......................Wing
Azeez, Elliott, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan
.......................Smith

[Royals and Racers]

SKY 401 and 403

[Ascotexgunner]

This is one I so want to win. Think we have got a great chance. Just need to carry some of that confidence from the friendlies.

[Clyde1998]

Still hoping we'll find a fit RB down the back of the sofa or behind the fridge.

Personally I'd start out a little cautious on this one, with:

.........................Pereira
oxf*rd, Mbengue, Kanu, Osho
....................Craig.....Wing
....Azeez...........Knibbs.......Camara
..........................Smith

Assuming Bindon isn’t ready. I think Camara offers a bit more pace and closing and Big Kev can make an impact from.the bench.

But it'll be

.....................Pereira
Craig, Mbengue, Kanu, Garcia
.......................Wing
Azeez, Elliott, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan
.......................Smith

I think Craig did well at RB against Hull, although he wasn't really defensively challenged IIRC. Being a DM, he's at least got some of the attributes need to play there for a short period of time. He was involved in the build up for both our goals in that game; the first coming a direct run from the right-back position.

I'd prefer Osho at LB, as he looks a lot more physically ready for League One football than Garcia. For me, it's the position I'm most concerned about as neither has competitive experience beyond U18 level. I'm not even sure how old Osho is (16/17?).

Bindon being available would shake things up a bit. Whether that would be Kanu falling out of the team or Mbengue shifting to LB to accommodate Bindon; I'd probably prefer the latter for this game.

Everywhere else will probably the team that started against Hull. The only really question mark for me (aside any new, or returns from, injury) would be Ehib vs Camara. I'd say stick with Ehib and bring on Camara latter in the game. Camara would offer direct running which may be more effective against tired defenders. Although, it depends on how much pressing Selles wants from the off.

[Stranded]

Hot take: Match will be postponed due to safety concerns.

In reality, I really don't know how this will go, we look like settled, exciting and potentially very decent L1 side - Brum have an unusual wave of optimism for a relegated side, but spending a bucketload of cash does that - no idea how they will line up but on paper they are probably too good for this division but this is likely to be the best time to play them at St Andrews and if we can get an early lead, we will get a result.

They will be very confident after beating WBA 4-1 at the weekend.

Going for a 1-1 with Smith scoring.

[Clyde1998]

Just an aside, the Birmingham forum has been talking about the possibility of the game being postponed by the police due to the potential for riots in Birmingham on Saturday.

I don't think there's any realistic chance of the game being postponed, but worth being aware of.

[Clyde1998]

Hot take: Match will be postponed due to safety concerns.

Just beat me to it.

Allegedly Birmingham and West Midlands Police are having a meeting today to discuss security arrangements. If they do call it off, hopefully they don't do it at the last minute.

[Snowflake Royal]

Still hoping we'll find a fit RB down the back of the sofa or behind the fridge.

Personally I'd start out a little cautious on this one, with:

.........................Pereira
oxf*rd, Mbengue, Kanu, Osho
....................Craig.....Wing
....Azeez...........Knibbs.......Camara
..........................Smith

Assuming Bindon isn’t ready. I think Camara offers a bit more pace and closing and Big Kev can make an impact from.the bench.

But it'll be

.....................Pereira
Craig, Mbengue, Kanu, Garcia
.......................Wing
Azeez, Elliott, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan
.......................Smith

I think Craig did well at RB against Hull, although he wasn't really defensively challenged IIRC. Being a DM, he's at least got some of the attributes need to play there for a short period of time. He was involved in the build up for both our goals in that game; the first coming a direct run from the right-back position.

I'd prefer Osho at LB, as he looks a lot more physically ready for League One football than Garcia. For me, it's the position I'm most concerned about as neither has competitive experience beyond U18 level. I'm not even sure how old Osho is (16/17?).

Bindon being available would shake things up a bit. Whether that would be Kanu falling out of the team or Mbengue shifting to LB to accommodate Bindon; I'd probably prefer the latter for this game.

Everywhere else will probably the team that started against Hull. The only really question mark for me (aside any new, or returns from, injury) would be Ehib vs Camara. I'd say stick with Ehib and bring on Camara latter in the game. Camara would offer direct running which may be more effective against tired defenders. Although, it depends on how much pressing Selles wants from the off.

I think Craig has looked like a good midfielder playing out of position. He's done okbuthis positioning and anticipation in the role look suspect. I'd much rather a lesser player who knows the position played there.

I'd rather Mbengue played RB than Craig even though he's not very good there and a big loss at CB.

For me Garcia is half a yard out of position quite often and playing catch up on his man, like he's used to playing against slower and more predictable players. He did grow into the game against Hull. Osho looks the real deal in comparison.

[Clyde1998]

Still hoping we'll find a fit RB down the back of the sofa or behind the fridge.

Personally I'd start out a little cautious on this one, with:

.........................Pereira
oxf*rd, Mbengue, Kanu, Osho
....................Craig.....Wing
....Azeez...........Knibbs.......Camara
..........................Smith

Assuming Bindon isn’t ready. I think Camara offers a bit more pace and closing and Big Kev can make an impact from.the bench.

But it'll be

.....................Pereira
Craig, Mbengue, Kanu, Garcia
.......................Wing
Azeez, Elliott, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan
.......................Smith

I think Craig did well at RB against Hull, although he wasn't really defensively challenged IIRC. Being a DM, he's at least got some of the attributes need to play there for a short period of time. He was involved in the build up for both our goals in that game; the first coming a direct run from the right-back position.

I'd prefer Osho at LB, as he looks a lot more physically ready for League One football than Garcia. For me, it's the position I'm most concerned about as neither has competitive experience beyond U18 level. I'm not even sure how old Osho is (16/17?).

Bindon being available would shake things up a bit. Whether that would be Kanu falling out of the team or Mbengue shifting to LB to accommodate Bindon; I'd probably prefer the latter for this game.

Everywhere else will probably the team that started against Hull. The only really question mark for me (aside any new, or returns from, injury) would be Ehib vs Camara. I'd say stick with Ehib and bring on Camara latter in the game. Camara would offer direct running which may be more effective against tired defenders. Although, it depends on how much pressing Selles wants from the off.

I think Craig has looked like a good midfielder playing out of position. He's done okbuthis positioning and anticipation in the role look suspect. I'd much rather a lesser player who knows the position played there.

I'd rather Mbengue played RB than Craig even though he's not very good there and a big loss at CB.

For me Garcia is half a yard out of position quite often and playing catch up on his man, like he's used to playing against slower and more predictable players. He did grow into the game against Hull. Osho looks the real deal in comparison.

It's the decision between someone who's comfortable at full-back, but may not be good enough for League One vs someone who's good enough for the division, but playing out of position. The question is what other options have we got, as it's been Craig and Rushesha at RB throughout pre-season (unless I've forgotten someone). John Ryan might have been an option there (although I think he would've been more likely to play LB rather than RB), but he's obviously injured. Hopefully whoever's playing there is only a temporary solution.

As you say, moving Mbengue to RB would cause problems at CB. I think you can only consider shifting Mbengue to full-back if Bindon is available and even then you want to keep the Mbengue-Bindon partnership at CB going ideally. No matter what option at the moment, we'll be having to make a compromise though. Ideally, we'd want Craig as an option in midfield; he's developed well over the past season. At least we do have options in midfield to allow Craig to play RB for a short period. I think the other compromises leave us in a net weaker position.

I think a fair assessment of Garcia. His positioning is not where it needs to be and that's probably down to him being able to get away with his positioning at U18 level and younger. He certainly won't get away with it at League One level, but that's something that can be worked on in training.

I think he also seems very lightweight. Against Hull, his passing was often inaccurate and their winger was able to beat him too easily when one-on-one (the only other game I've seen him with the first team was Woking, so don't know if that's was a pattern against better teams or not). I think it's a case of Osho looking more ready than Garcia. I doubt he would've been in consideration had Dorsett and Ryan not been injured, so it shouldn't be a surprise he doesn't look ready yet.

[Snowflake Royal]

I think Craig did well at RB against Hull, although he wasn't really defensively challenged IIRC. Being a DM, he's at least got some of the attributes need to play there for a short period of time. He was involved in the build up for both our goals in that game; the first coming a direct run from the right-back position.

I'd prefer Osho at LB, as he looks a lot more physically ready for League One football than Garcia. For me, it's the position I'm most concerned about as neither has competitive experience beyond U18 level. I'm not even sure how old Osho is (16/17?).

Bindon being available would shake things up a bit. Whether that would be Kanu falling out of the team or Mbengue shifting to LB to accommodate Bindon; I'd probably prefer the latter for this game.

Everywhere else will probably the team that started against Hull. The only really question mark for me (aside any new, or returns from, injury) would be Ehib vs Camara. I'd say stick with Ehib and bring on Camara latter in the game. Camara would offer direct running which may be more effective against tired defenders. Although, it depends on how much pressing Selles wants from the off.

I think Craig has looked like a good midfielder playing out of position. He's done okbuthis positioning and anticipation in the role look suspect. I'd much rather a lesser player who knows the position played there.

I'd rather Mbengue played RB than Craig even though he's not very good there and a big loss at CB.

For me Garcia is half a yard out of position quite often and playing catch up on his man, like he's used to playing against slower and more predictable players. He did grow into the game against Hull. Osho looks the real deal in comparison.

It's the decision between someone who's comfortable at full-back, but may not be good enough for League One vs someone who's good enough for the division, but playing out of position. The question is what other options have we got, as it's been Craig and Rushesha at RB throughout pre-season (unless I've forgotten someone). John Ryan might have been an option there (although I think he would've been more likely to play LB rather than RB), but he's obviously injured. Hopefully whoever's playing there is only a temporary solution.

As you say, moving Mbengue to RB would cause problems at CB. I think you can only consider shifting Mbengue to full-back if Bindon is available and even then you want to keep the Mbengue-Bindon partnership at CB going ideally. No matter what option at the moment, we'll be having to make a compromise though. Ideally, we'd want Craig as an option in midfield; he's developed well over the past season. At least we do have options in midfield to allow Craig to play RB for a short period. I think the other compromises leave us in a net weaker position.

I think a fair assessment of Garcia. His positioning is not where it needs to be and that's probably down to him being able to get away with his positioning at U18 level and younger. He certainly won't get away with it at League One level, but that's something that can be worked on in training.

I think he also seems very lightweight. Against Hull, his passing was often inaccurate and their winger was able to beat him too easily when one-on-one (the only other game I've seen him with the first team was Woking, so don't know if that's was a pattern against better teams or not). I think it's a case of Osho looking more ready than Garcia. I doubt he would've been in consideration had Dorsett and Ryan not been injured, so it shouldn't be a surprise he doesn't look ready yet.

Yeah, it was a pattern. Happened against QPR too, though their winger was excellent. Only one who didn't do it to him was Meite ironically.

[Sutekh]

Hot take: Match will be postponed due to safety concerns.

Just beat me to it.

Allegedly Birmingham and West Midlands Police are having a meeting today to discuss security arrangements. If they do call it off, hopefully they don't do it at the last minute.

Must be an issue for many games up and down the country, even if there aren't any protests locally wider plod might decide they need as much resource as they can call on and with our beloved leader comparing all the rioters to football hooligans then they'll want those with experience of dealing with such naughty people.

[Hound]

Is a concern with the riots/police resources. Don’t think this specific game would be a major issue but large crowds etc. really hope not as looking forward to it

Craig will be RB. Not ideal but can’t just throw Abrefa in. If it was an experienced player like Yiadom maybe but not Abrefa

Can’t start Garcia surely. Looks a talent but not at all ready. I’d rather shunt Kanu to LB and play Dean tbh which is also not a great option. Didn’t see enough of Osho but he looks closer to ready than Garcia from the little I did

Rest of team picks itself atm

[rabidbee]

The issue might just be about having enough officers available to police the game. Listening to Newscast last night, one of the journalists pointed out that the police are doing long shifts getting battered, and they’re going to get exhausted if it goes on for a long time. Especially as officers can be called away from their local areas to supplement forces where the rioting is happening, police chiefs all over might just decide they don’t have the spare capacity to police football matches.

[Hound]

Yes exactly - and with a big crowd expected for the game, it’ll need a fair few police

[Orion1871]

Let's be honest they're better to let the football go ahead. These rioters will pack it in once they have football matches to go to again.

[Clyde1998]

Is a concern with the riots/police resources. Don’t think this specific game would be a major issue but large crowds etc. really hope not as looking forward to it

It may the case of the police not wanting 28,000 people to congregate in a single place if there's a serious risk of trouble elsewhere in the city.

I'd think their logic would be down to at least one of two issues:
1. they couldn't necessarily respond adequately to the development of a serious situation at both locations simultaneously. The emergency response would have to be planned for a worse case scenario, even if they believe there's little chance of that actually occurring.
2. the football match could become a target for rioters in some manner.

The game itself shouldn't be directly at risk of trouble, but it's how much of police (and other emergency) resources are taken up elsewhere.

[Broxroyal]

Anybody know what Garcia's normal / best position is? He played the first friendly on the left wing and subsequent ones at left back.
I don't know enough about the Under 16s and Under 18s to know where he normally plays but if he is more of a left winger giving it a go at LB, that is a big ask at this level of one so young

[Snowflake Royal]

Is a concern with the riots/police resources. Don’t think this specific game would be a major issue but large crowds etc. really hope not as looking forward to it

Craig will be RB. Not ideal but can’t just throw Abrefa in. If it was an experienced player like Yiadom maybe but not Abrefa

Can’t start Garcia surely. Looks a talent but not at all ready. I’d rather shunt Kanu to LB and play Dean tbh which is also not a great option. Didn’t see enough of Osho but he looks closer to ready than Garcia from the little I did

Rest of team picks itself atm

I'd be very happy to start Abrefa if fit. At least he's actually a RB and has first team experience.

[Snowflake Royal]

Anybody know what Garcia's normal / best position is? He played the first friendly on the left wing and subsequent ones at left back.
I don't know enough about the Under 16s and Under 18s to know where he normally plays but if he is more of a left winger giving it a go at LB, that is a big ask at this level of one so young

Having seen him in 3 games, I'd be surprised if his regular position is anything but FB