Preview: Man City vs B'ham

This battle takes on two interesting tales of the tape - Manchester City go into this clash on a three-match winning run in league and cup whilst Birmingham are on a three-match losing streak.

Eriksson has Man City playing some excellent football this season and will be looking to continue his impressive start at the club with three points for the Citizens at Eastlands.

Stephen Ireland who withdrew from the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro Qualifiers 2008 due to personal reasons will play, while Michael Johnson is fit after a groin problem.

Birmingham defender Johan Djourou is a major doubt with a hamstring injury sustained playing for Switzerland besides that boss Steve Bruce has no other new injuries after the international break.

Man City (from): Hart, Schmeichel, Corluka, Onuoha, Sun, Dunne, Richards, Garrido, Ball, Geovanni, Dabo, Fernandes, Hamann, Johnson, Ireland, Petrov, Elano, Samaras, Mpenza, Etuhu.

Birmingham (from): Maik Taylor, Kelly, Djourou, Ridgewell, Jaidi, Queudrue, Larsson, Nafti, Muamba, McSheffrey, Kapo, Jerome, Sadler, Martin Taylor, Schmitz, O'Connor, Kingson, Danns, Parnaby, Placios.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Man City 2-0 Birmingham

Under fire boss Steve Bruce will not enjoy his visit to the Eastlands and Eriksson will look for another important three points as they continue their impressive European push. Elano is still very much the dangerman, however, the real one to watch out for tomorrow will be Martin Petrov who will love getting in at the Birmingham defence down the flanks.

Prediction: 2-0 to Man City

Goalscorer: Martin Petrov.