By Harry Shersby-Wignall

Blues travel to the capital for the second time in five days as they face tricky opposition in Charlton Athletic in the Sky Bet Championship at The Valley.

The South London side have had a re-shuffle since last season after narrowly escaping relegation in the last few games and now this season they are unbeaten in the opening 10 league games.

After the departure of then manager Jose Riga, the Addicks appointed Belgian Bob Peeters from Pro League side Waasland-Beveren.

Over the summer they have brought in some new faces with the likes of Igor Vetokele, Yoni Buyens and former Premier League defender Tal Ben Haim. Striker Vetokele who cost Charlton around £2 million pounds is the fifth top scorer in the league with five goals to his name.

Both Blues and Charlton were triumphant in midweek with Blues winning 3-1 away at Millwall which was their second win of the season and Charlton beating second placed Norwich 1-0 away.

The result of this fixture last time ended 2-0 to Blues with a brace from Manchester United loanee Federico Macheda last February.

Team News

Birmingham City

Blues have been hit with another injury this week as defender Jonathan Spector has torn his thigh muscle and will spend up to three months out on the sidelines which is a major blow to Lee Clark’s side as fellow right back Neal Eardley is also out for another 1-2 weeks.

Lee Clark has said that striker Lee Novak is not too far away from a return into the first team as he is recovering well.

Demarai Gray was back in training this week after missing the victory against Millwall on Tuesday due to a slight knock and could be handed a start.

Meanwhile, winger David Cotterill has been called up to the Wales squad
after successive impressive performances for Blues after scoring 2 goals and 2 assists in as many games.

Charlton Athletic

The Addicks will be without defender Tal Ben Haim on Saturday as he will be
observing a religious holiday.

The only other (possible) absentee is Joseph Gomez who is a doubt but could still be in contention for a start.

My Prediction

After Tuesday’s win I think our confidence will be boosted and we will go into half time winning 1-0 but then succumb to either fitness or pressure whatever has been the problem with second halves this season and lose 3-1.

Keep Right On and COME ON YOU BLUES!