Sheff Utd v Birmingham preview

Last updated: 30th January 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sheff Utd v Birmingham preview

Ridgewell: Returns for Birmingham

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Team news for Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash between Sheffield United and Birmingham at Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United striker James Beattie's chances of a first start since returning to the club are on hold.

Beattie, in his second spell with the Blades, was sent off for violent conduct in last week's defeat at Charlton and will sit out the first of a three-match ban. He has made seven appearances off the bench for Danny Wilson's side.

Beattie's place among the substitutes could go to winger Ryan Flynn, who has missed the last three games due to illness, while Wilson has no other new injury or suspension problems.

Wilson is unlikely to make too many, if any, changes to his line-up after the Blades lost only their second game in 14 matches in all competitions at Charlton.

Striker Chris Porter, defender Marcus Williams and midfielder Nick Montgomery are all expected to continue on the bench as United bid to leapfrog Huddersfield back into the second automatic promotion spot.

Skipper Stephen Carr is not yet ready to make his comeback.

Carr has not featured since mid-December due to a knee injury but has returned to training and is not far off full fitness.

Ridgewell, who is the subject of speculation regarding his future at the midlands club, has missed City's last two games with a hamstring problem but is back in the fold, as is fellow defender Pablo Ibanez who has been sidelined recently with a knee complaint.

Striker Marlon King was forced off just after half-time in last Saturday's 3-0 victory over Watford with a tight groin and is a doubt although the problem is minor, while manager Chris Hughton has opted to rest King and Nikola Zigic for FA Cup duty in any case.

Winger Jean Beausejour has this week completed an undisclosed move to Wigan, meaning Nathan Redmond is likely to come in at Bramall Lane.

Guirane N'Daw remains at the African Nations Cup with Senegal, who have one group match remaining despite being unable to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.

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