Injuries heap pressure on Jewell
January 11, 2012 15:06:11 UK
Chris Hughton is keen to extend Birmingham's unbeaten home record.Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell faces a selection headache ahead of his side's trip to Birmingham City on Wednesday.
Jewell has come under pressure at Portman Road over the course of the campaign, with the Tractor Boys hovering dangerously close to the relegation places. There has been speculation that Jewell could be axed and replaced by former QPR boss Neil Warnock if results don't improve and Ipswich face a huge test at St Andrew's, where Birmingham are yet to be beaten in the league this season.
Ipswich can be backed at 6.00 to become the first Championship outfit to take all three points at St Andrew's, while the draw is available at 4.00.
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To compound Jewell's woes, Ipswich have a host of injury problems to contend with. Key midfield pair Jimmy Bullard and Lee Bowyer remain sidelined, and defender Damien Delaney has now joined them in the treatment room after aggravating a foot injury in the FA Cup loss at Hull.
With Delaney sidelined, Jewell will have to call upon youngster Tommy Smith to partner Ibrahima Sonko in central defence.
However, Birmingham boss Chris Hughton also has to shuffle his pack as captain Stephen Carr is still absent and top scorer Chris Wood has rejoined West Brom after a successful loan stint. Hughton is keen to bring Wood back on loan for the rest of the season but no deal is yet in place and the striker is unavailable for Ipswich's visit, as is Guirane N'Daw, who has linked up with the Senegal squad ahead of the African Cup of Nations.
Birmingham are 1.53 to secure the win. The Blues are currently 14th in the league table but they have two games in hand and victories in both would see them move into the coveted play-off spots.
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