Premier League
Fulham v Birmingham ko3pm

How many times do clubs playing in Europe come unstuck in the next league game?

Fulham were worthy winners on Thursday night but with the Blues fresher the 3/1 on offer on the exchanges has to be taken.

Alex McLeish has challenged his over-achieving Birmingham players to be even more consistent during the final third of the campaign - and says he has "total trust" in his squad not to let him down.
 
Blues, who visit Fulham on Sunday, are occupying a top 10 spot in the Premier League and are through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

They have struggled to attain their best form in recent games but the fighting spirit which has been their trademark has been to the fore.

City scored a last-gasp equaliser against Spurs, rescued victory from the jaws of defeat with two late goals against Wolves and also came from behind to defeat Derby in the FA Cup.

McLeish said: "The players have done better than was expected and stood up as the expectation levels have grown and grown.

"They have responded to those expectations, the demands from fans and pundits.

"People say 'the bubble will burst' but they have been sensational, the spirit and the mentality, and I know what they have got in their locker.

"It is now about going on another run and challenging them to be even more consistent than they were in the first section of the season through until May.

"If they can do that, it will be a season to remember and we will try to take something in all the remaining games.

"I have total trust in the players who have been so good for Birmingham so far this season."

McLeish admits he will again look to bolster his strike force in the summer after failing to land the likes of Kenwyne Jones and Roman Pavlyuchenko during the January transfer window.

McLeish has to consider whether to persevere with wide players Sebastian Larsson and James McFadden at Craven Cottage or recall Craig Gardner and Keith Fahey.

The latter duo were preferred in City's last league clash with West Ham at Upton Park 10 days ago before Larsson and McFadden came back for the FA Cup tie at Derby.

Fulham defender Paul Konchesky could be involved against Birmingham after recovering from a foot injury but Kagisho Dikgacoi (ankle), Andrew Johnson, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (all knee) remain sidelined.

Published 21-02-2010

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