{"id":418485,"date":"2011-05-06T08:33:00","date_gmt":"2011-05-06T08:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ghanamma.net\/2011\/05\/06\/newcastle-united-birmingham-city-preview-blues-look-for-first-away-win-in-five-to-ease-relegation-worries\/"},"modified":"2011-05-06T08:33:00","modified_gmt":"2011-05-06T08:33:00","slug":"newcastle-united-birmingham-city-preview-blues-look-for-first-away-win-in-five-to-ease-relegation-worries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2011\/05\/06\/newcastle-united-birmingham-city-preview-blues-look-for-first-away-win-in-five-to-ease-relegation-worries\/","title":{"rendered":"Newcastle United – Birmingham City Preview: Blues look for first away win in five to ease relegation worries"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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<\/h2>\n

By Simon Sinclair<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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\"EPL,Steven<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

EPL,Steven Taylor,Newcastle United vs Everton<\/p>\n

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Newcastle United (4-4-2)<\/strong>
Krul; Simpson, Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Gutierrez; Ameobi, Lovenkrands.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Birmingham City (4-4-2<\/strong>)<\/strong><\/em>
Foster; Carr, Jiranek , Johnson, Ridgewell; Larsson, Bowyer, Ferguson, Fahey; Jerome, Phillips.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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