Blues News: Episode 3

Birmingham City just went through its second double-game week in a row. The Blues have earned an easy week as tomorrow’s game is the only one until Monday, December 23rd. A full 9 days off. But after that is the Christmas/New Year’s blitz with five games in twelve days through January 4th. Three of them will be on the road. Yikes.

Anyway, last week was another successful one. Last Saturday’s game at Barnsley ended up a 2-1 win, although the Barnsley goal was an own goal and the hosts went down to ten men after 70 minutes. City were outshot 104, but all 4 were on target and Barnsley never really threatened. Possession was also down a tad from the usual ridiculous high at a mere 59%. With the win the Blues closed the gap with Wycombe Wanderers who are now just a point ahead after drawing 1-1 with 6th-place Reading. Wrexham are also a point ahead. The Blues still have games in hand over both teams.

That was followed up in midweek with a 2-1 win over Exeter City, again on the road, in the EFL Trophy. They move on to the round of 16. The draw will be tomorrow at 5:50am Central Time. The Blues are in the Southern group and are currently the highest-ranked member in the 8-team group. The games will be played the week ending January 13th, adding even more to the clogged schedule.

Tomorrow’s game (9:00am, no US TV) is a home fixture against Bristol Rovers who are a lowly 18th in the standings. Wycombe are playing last-place Shrewsbury and Wrexham are playing Cambridge United (22nd). Shrewsbury did have that shock win over the Blues a couple of weeks ago so movement at the top of the table is not out of the question. Unlikely though.