Match Preview: Birmingham City vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City travel to St. Andrews @ KNIGHTHEAD PARK to FACE Birmingham City on Wednesday, APRIL 10th, 7.45pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Gary Rowett is in interim charge of Birmingham City until the end of the season, with Tony Mowbray currently absent on medical leave.
Rowett is an experienced manager in the second tier, having previously been Blues boss between 2014 and 2016, as well as holding positions at Derby County, Stoke City and Millwall.
The 50-year-old also represented Birmingham City during his playing days, amassing 87 league appearances for the club.
Since his return to St Andrew’s, the side have won one and lost two of their three matches.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
It’s been a disappointing season for the Blues, who currently sit 22nd in the table.
The side have recorded just three points in their last six fixtures, leaving them at the bottom of the form table.
Last time out, Rowett's men faced Leicester City and fell to a 2-1 defeat, despite striker Jay Stansfield netting.
In terms of their home form, Birmingham City have recorded 30 points at St Andrew’s this season, a record that ranks 11th in the division.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Wednesday evening’s opponents’ most important player is Juninho Bacuna, who joined the club in 2022 from Rangers.
The brother of ex-Bluebird Leandro, the midfielder represented Groningen earlier in his career, prior to joining Huddersfield Town in 2018, where he spent three seasons.
Since moving to St Andrew’s, Bacuna has represented the Blues in over 100 matches, recording 13 goals and 15 assists.
Nine of those goals have come this season, whilst he has also contributed with six assists.
CITY FLASHBACK | PERFECTION FROM PERRY
Our last league trip to St Andrew’s was back in February 2023, and included a dramatic ending.
With the contest heading towards a goalless draw, right-back Perry Ng stepped up to take a free-kick for City.
In one of the highlights of the 2022/23 season, Perry struck brilliantly into the top corner to open the scoring.
Late-on, a crucial victory was secured by a fine solo effort from Callum Robinson, as City claimed all three points.