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Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has urged his players to “stick the ball in the back of the net” as they aim to climb the table and away from the relegation zone.
With that in mind, McLeish might start Belarus star Aleksandr Hleb against Arsenal on Saturday – now that the attacking midfielder has recovered from a hamstring tear, as well as a series of niggles sustained since his loan signing from La Liga giants Barcelona.
The Blues have no new injury worries ahead of the clash, with James McFadden – suffering from anterior cruciate ligament damage – still a long-term absentee.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will look for a positive reaction following Wednesday’s disappointing 2-2 draw with 10-man Wigan, when Sebastien Squillaci netted an 80th-minute own goal to gift Athletic a point.
However, French international midfielder Abou Diaby won’t be on the St Andrew’s pitch for the late kick-off, having picked up a calf strain during the first half at the DW Stadium in midweek.
Wenger believes he’ll be out for “some weeks”.
Kieran Gibbs could be back from a sprained ankle, but Manuel Almunia (ankle/foot) and Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) are still missing.
If Arsenal were firing on all cylinders, an away win would seem likely.
However, the London side’s defence is weak and, although City are not exactly banging in the goals, there is every chance the likes of Nikola Zigic and Craig Gardner could find the net.
Also, with three stalemates in the last five meetings between these sides, another draw could be a safe bet.
