Birmingham v Barnsley: Blues strikers not to be backed in this one
Published:Birmingham have enjoyed a good record against Barnsley since the turn of the century and their fans will be expecting it to continue having seen an upturn in their side’s fortunes in recent weeks.
The Blues are big favourites for this clash at 8/13 which is understandable given the form of the visitors. Since their opening-day win against Middlesbrough, Barnsley have given up four defeats in six games and have lost all of their away games aside from an extra-time victory over Rochdale.
Barnsley, who are massive underdogs at 5/1, came close to ending that run at Blackburn where their performance warranted a touch more than the 2-1 defeat it got. This was Barnsley’s fifth consecutive away day, however, in which both teams found the net, as has been the case three of Birmingham’s last four.
The stats point to a game in which both keepers pick the ball out the back of the net at some stage which means Ladbrokes’ price of 8/11 is relatively generous.
Birmingham have turned a corner since Coventry dumped them out of the Capital One Cup – they’ve racked up seven points from nine available to more than double their seasonal tally.
After notching the goal that proved to be the winner in their win over Bolton last time out, Marlon King has scored in two consecutive matches. Alongside Leroy Lita, Birmingham pose one of the strongest goal-threats in the Championship and either player is a 9/2 shot to open the scoring in this one.
The pair should be overlooked, however, given that they are both yet to score against Barnsley in league action. Back Darren Ambrose to get on the scoresheet at any time, which pays out at 4/1; his reputation as a goalscoring midfielder is one he well-warrants and his price offers great value.
All odds and markets correct as of publication
