Birmingham v Man City preview

Taylor set to return as Blues look for boost

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 28th March 2008

Martin Taylor Birmingham City

Taylor: Set to return

Skysports.com prediction: Birmingham 2 Man City 1

One to watch: Mauro Zarate

SkyBet Odds: Birmingham 11/8 Draw 11/5 Man City 13/8

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Birmingham will be looking to ease their relegation fears as they take on a Manchester City side still in contention for Europe.

Birmingham had appeared to be climbing to safety a few weeks ago but defeats to Portsmouth and Reading and a home draw with Newcastle have put them back into trouble.

They are now just one point above Bolton and could find themselves back in the bottom three if they do not beat Manchester City.

Martin Taylor could return to the side for the first time since his infamous tackle on Eduardo da Silva after completing a three-match suspension.

He is likely to slot in at centre-back in place of Liam Ridgewell, who begins his own two-game ban after collecting a tenth yellow card of the season.

James McFadden is closing in on a quick return to action following knee surgery but will not be considered until the next game against Wigan at the earliest.

Olivier Kapo could feature following a hamstring problem, while Mauro Zarate will be hoping to keep his place after netting his first goal for the club against Reading.

Hamann back for Man City

Manchester City have fallen away in the race for fifth place but they will still be aiming for sixth and a possible Intertoto Cup spot in the summer.

Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Blackburn are Man City's main threats and the battle looks set to go down to the wire.

Man City were held to a goalless draw by struggling Bolton last week and Sven Goran Eriksson could decide to make changes.

Elano and Felipe Caicedo both came on as substitutes against The Trotters and may be promoted to the starting line-up, while Emile Mpenza is also in contention after turning down the chance to drop down to the Championship on loan.

Eriksson will welcome Dietmar Hamann back from suspension and young midfielder Michael Johnson should also be fit despite having a chest infection this week.

Micah Richards and Michael Ball both remain sidelined with knee injuries.