Blues v Burnley at St Andrews Stadium - Match Preview




Birmingham are without Paul Caddis as they welcome Burnley.

The defender tore his hamstring during last week's draw with Crystal Palace and is targeting the New Year's Day clash with Cardiff for a comeback.

Fellow defender Jonathan Spector is also likely to miss out as he struggles with an ankle injury, but he is expected to return for the Boxing Day trip to Barnsley.

Midfielder Darren Ambrose, full-backs David Murphy and Stephen Carr (all knee) and striker Akwasi Asante (hamstring) remain sidelined.

But Lee Clark is boosted by the return of Hayden Mullins from his one-match suspension, while fellow midfielder Morgaro Gomis is in contention after recovering from a thigh injury.

Young defender Emmitt Delfouneso - brother of Aston Villa striker Nathan - is included in the squad for the first time.

Burnley welcome back Michael Duff and Chris McCann.

Centre-back Duff and midfielder McCann both sat out last weekend's 1-1 draw against boss Sean Dyche's former club Watford having collected five yellow cards this season.

In their absence, Kevin Long made his first Burnley start at the heart of the defence and the 22-year-old may now revert to the bench.

Fellow defender Ben Mee remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from medial knee ligament damage.

Keith Treacy is pushing for involvement once more after coming on as a late substitute last weekend, the winger's first appearance for the Clarets since August.

Burnley are without a win in their last four matches, having draw three of those games.

Source: PA

Source: PA