Birmingham V Plymouth at St Andrews Stadium - Match Preview




Clark ponders changes

Manager Lee Clark plans to make a few changes for Birmingham's Capital One Cup first-round clash at home to Plymouth but will still keep a strong side.

Winger Chris Burke and midfielder Callum Reilly are both pushing to start against the League Two visitors having been on the bench for Saturday's opening-day 1-0 defeat to Watford.

The likes of goalkeeper Colin Doyle, midfielders Hayden Mullins, Scott Allan and Olly Lee as well as promising forward Koby Arthur are also pressing for inclusion.

Nikola Zigic (back), Mitch Hancox and Darren Ambrose (both groin) remain doubts, while long-term absentees David Murphy (knee), Jonathan Spector (fractured cheekbone) and Will Packwood (broken leg) are unavailable.

Plymouth goalkeeper Jake Cole will step into the starting line-up for the clash.

The former Barnet shot-stopper had to watch from the bench as Luke McCormick started in the 1-0 defeat to Southend following his return to the club from Oxford.

But manager John Sheridan revealed he is yet to decide on his number one and will give last season's regular Cole the chance to stake his claim.

Experienced midfielder Paul Wotton will not be involved after the 35-year-old broke a rib following a collision with McCormick. Young defender Jamie Richards replaced him at Roots Hall and could get the nod from the start with Guy Branston suffering from a calf injury and Maxime Blanchard suspended.


Source: PA

Source: PA