Newcastle United – Birmingham City Preview: Blues look for first away win in five to ease relegation worries

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    The Magpies set out to continue Premier League dominance over Alex McLeish’s side ,as they look to improve their home form and finish season on a positive note

    By Simon Sinclair

    EPL,Steven Taylor,Newcastle United vs Everton

    EPL,Steven Taylor,Newcastle United vs Everton

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    Newcastle United (4-4-2)
    Krul; Simpson, Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Gutierrez; Ameobi, Lovenkrands.

    Newcastle were dealt a blow on Thursday when Mike Williamson was ruled out for the rest of the season, so Steven Taylor will come into the side for him and partner Fabricio Coloccini at the back.

    The Magpies will be without long-term injury victims Hatem Ben Arfa, Dan Gosling, Alan Smith and Leon Best for the visit of the Blues. Tim Krul is expected to continue in goal as he keeps Steve Harper out of the side.

    Birmingham City (4-4-2)
    Foster; Carr, Jiranek , Johnson, Ridgewell; Larsson, Bowyer, Ferguson, Fahey; Jerome, Phillips.

    Birmingham will be without top scorer Craig Gardner, who was sent off against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week. He will likely be replaced in midfield by Irishman Keith Fahey.

    Kevin Phillips will retain his place up front alongside Cameron Jerome, with Nikola Zigic in reserve. Apart from that, expect no other changes from manager Alex McLeish, who will rely on his experienced players to drag the Blues away from the relegation zone.



    • Cheik Tiote has received more yellow cards than any other player in the league this season with 13.
    • Alan Pardew’s men have used the offside trap more effectively than any other side in the top flight, catching 132 players offside this season.
    • The Magpies have the fourth worst home record in the division. Only West Ham United, Wigan Athletic and Blackpool have amassed fewer points at home than the 22 picked up by the Tyneside club.
    • Only Manchester United (43) have scored more goals than Newcastle (36) at home this season.
    • Birmingham have gone five games without an away win in the Premier League.
    • Alex McLeish’s side have not managed more than two goals in any of their last 58 league games.
    • The Blues have had only 113 shots on target this season. It is the fewest by any team in the top-flight.
    • Birmingham have won just three of their previous 13 Premier League matches in the month of May.
    • Cameron Jerome (pictured right) has failed to find the net in 22 league games, and his last goal came against Stoke City back in November.

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    Newcastle United – Birmingham City Preview: Blues look for first away win in five to ease relegation worries