Birmingham v Charlton preview

McLeish to shuffle pack, striker problems for Addicks

Last updated: 14th November 2008

Birmingham v Charlton preview

McLeish: Could make changes

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Alex McLeish is set to shake up his front pairing, while Luke Varney and Chris Dickson are injury worries for Charlton.

Birmingham's promotion push has stalled in recent weeks and they have picked up just one point from their last three games.

McLeish must decide which of his strikers he feels can finally break their barren run - with Kevin Phillips, Cameron Jerome, Marcus Bent and James McFadden all in the frame.

Franck Queudrue (illness) should return at left-back while on-loan Nicky Hunt will continue on the opposite side of defence.

Martin Taylor should drop to the bench, with Liam Ridgewell, who should overcome a virus, and Radhi Jaidi in central defence.

Nigel Quashie, on loan from West Ham, could continue in midfield with club captain Damien Johnson still some way off match fitness, despite returning to full training.

Striker Garry O'Connor (groin), full-backs Stuart Parnaby (hamstring), Stephen Kelly (thigh) and David Murphy (knee) and winger Gary McSheffrey (knee) all remain sidelined.

Charlton news

Charlton are just one point above the relegation zone after failing to win any of their last six games.

Varney suffered a knock in training earlier this week and will be handed a late fitness test, while Dickson looks set to miss out after sustaining a knee injury at Plymouth last Saturday.

Midfielder Jose Semedo is expected to be fit despite being carried off at Home Park with cramp in both calves.

Veteran defender Linvoy Primus shook off a knee injury to play at the weekend and will keep his place.

Jonathan Fortune (knee), Zheng Zhi and Therry Racon (both foot) remain sidelined while boss Alan Pardew this week allowed midfielder Darren Ambrose to rejoin his former club Ipswich on a two-month loan deal.