Blues, without a win in their last 3 league games, take the trip North to Elland Road to take on a revitalised Leeds United.
Build Up
After Saturday’s defeat away to Norwich, Blues have a quick turnaround and a chance to get over the 1-0 loss with another trip away, this time at high flying Leeds. Thomas Christiansen’s men are in good form and thrashed Burton Albion 5-0 on Saturday. Blues however, are unlikely to have a massive following, with this Tuesday night fixture being priced at £37 in advanced, or a whopping £42 on the gate.
The good news from Saturday was that Blues came away with no injury or suspension worries from Carrow Road, so Harry Redknapp may keep the same side as he looks to get his second win of the season.
The new look Blues team struggled to hit the target against a resolute Norwich, recording just one shot on target and Arry had this to say “Today we dominated possession against a team who usually do that to the opposition but we lacked a cutting edge in and around the box.”
Leeds on the other hand are flying and sit second in the table with four wins and two draws from their six games. On loan striker Pierre Michel-Lasogga scored twice on his debut and looks to be a great replacement for Chris Wood who joined Burnley last month. Lasogga wife is due to have a child so he could miss the game which could be a bonus for the Blues.
Opposition Opinion
Leeds fans are understandably buzzing at the moment and we spoke to United blogger Keith Ingham from We All Love Leeds.
Leeds sit in second place and are worthy of the standing, we’ve been playing wonderful football and the vibe around the club is so positive after years of bad management at the top.
I really think that our club is going places. Leeds and Birmingham are great clubs but find themselves in a very hard division to get out of because of the teams in it with parachute payments.
Villa can buy a team but they have to gel and with them being your nearest rivals you must love it that they are struggling. I think it will be a tight game tomorrow with Leeds winning by the odd goal in three.
Previous Meetings
Friday 03 March – Championship
Blues 1-3 Leeds United
The last time the two sides met was at St Andrews in March. Leeds ran out 3-1 winners that day with goals from Chris Wood and one from Alfonso Pedraza. Craig Gardner with Blues goal. Blues started brightly but Leeds clinical finishing was the difference between the two sides.
Saturday 08 January – FA Cup
Blues 3-0 Leeds United
Leeds visted St Andrews in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Two goals from homegrown hero Darren Carter and one from Emile Heskey eased Blues through to the next round where they lost 0-2 to Chelsea.
Saturday 20 April 1957 – Division One
Blues 6 – 2 Leeds United
Blues biggest win against Leeds came back way in 1957 in the old football league division One. a hat trick from Alex Govan , two from Eddy Brown and one from Gordon Astall gave Blues victory that day. Alex Govan went on to score 30 goals in 44 games that season.
Played For Both
Mikael Forsell
The former Chelsea player joined Blues on loan in 2003 and joined permanently in 2005. After struggling with recurring knee injuries and with Blues relegated to the Championship he left for Hannover 96. He later joined Leeds where he made 15 league appearances.
Lee Bowyer
Bowyer started his career at Charlton before joining Leeds where he went on to make over 200 appearances. He was part of the team that reached the Semi Finals of the Champions League under David O’Leary. After a second stint at West Ham he joined Blues and played a part in Blues League cup Final win over Arsenal at Wembley. His contract wasn’t renewed and he joined Ipswich Town as a free agent before retiring in 2012.
Paul Robinson
Robbo has become a legend at Blues since joining from Bolton in 2012. After a loan spell with Leeds where he made only 10 appearances, he joined Blues and to date has made over 150 appearances. He signed a contract extension in June.
Referee
Peter Bankes. Very card happy with 29 yellows and 2 reds in 9 games so far this season.