BIG MATCH LOWDOWN

Birmingham v Cardiff City

Where: St Andrew’s, Birmingham When: Friday, October, 13. 7.45pm kick-off

Odds: Birmingham win 9/4, Draw 23/10, Cardiff City win 6/5 What have the managers said ahead of the game? Steve Cotterill (Birmingham) “It’s a great moment for me.

“It’s a really special club. I’ve said it a million times.

“Over the last few weeks I’ve had a lot of phone calls and texts from people.

“They’re really pleased for me that I’ve come to a club like this because they know what type of club it is. It’s a real family club and you just get the sense that everyone is in it together. “And I like it that way because I like to bring everyone in it. That’s the way I work. We’re definitely all in it together; that’s for sure. Neil Warnock (Cardiff City) “I look at it like when i came here last year, we played Bristol City on TV, we were second bottom and they were flying high,” said the Yorkshireman.

“I expect a very difficult game and I don’t kid myself. We want a result but I know how difficult it’s going to be.” Who are the key men? Craig Gardner (Birmingham) The 30-year-old joined the Blues on a permanent deal from West Brom in the summer having spent the latter half of the previous campaign on loan at St Andrew’s, and the experienced midfielder will need to help Birmingham’s midfield tick against the Bluebirds while creating opportunities for the likes of Lukas Jutkiewicz and Jota. Craig Bryson (Cardiff City) The Scot was ineligible to face parent club Derby in the final game before the international break but his energy – as shown in the magnificent 3-1 win against Leeds – will be vital in the centre of the park for the Bluebirds if they’re to break down Birmingham’s midfield men.

Predicted line-ups

Birmingham (4-2-3-1): Kuszczak, Nsue, Morrison, Dean, Grounds, Gardner, Ndoye, Jota, Adams, Boga, Jutkiewicz. Cardiff City (4-3-3): Etheridge, Peltier, Bamba, Morrison, Bennett, Bryson, Ralls, Damour, Mendez-Laing, Hoilett, Zohore.