Bristol City v Birmingham preview
Friday 5 May 2017 17:50, UK
Bristol City have no new injury problems for the Ashton Gate clash which will determine Birmingham's Sky Bet Championship future.
Tammy Abraham could be making his final Robins appearance with the 26-goal Chelsea loanee unsure where he will be playing next season.
Callum O'Dowda and Bobby Reid could start with boss Lee Johnson suggesting some youngsters will be given an opportunity with the Robins safe from the threat of relegation. Aaron Wilbraham (knee) and Gary O'Neil (hamstring) remain sidelined.
Relegation-threatened Birmingham will have striker Che Adams available after the red card he received during their 2-0 win over Huddersfield was rescinded.
Adams was shown a red card by referee Mike Jones, but an independent FA Regulatory Commission unanimously upheld Blues' appeal for wrongful dismissal and the 20-year-old will not serve the three-match ban.
Captain Paul Robinson remains banned so defender Michael Morrison, who made his long-awaited return from a groin injury against the Terriers, should retain his place. Forward Clayton Donaldson remains sidelined with a knee injury as new boss Harry Redknapp aims to keep Birmingham up.
Opta stats
The Robins are winless in five home league matches against Birmingham (D1 L4) and haven't scored in any of their last three.
The Blues are unbeaten in their last 12 league games against Bristol City (W9 D3) since losing 3-0 in November 1993.
Clayton Donaldson has scored four goals in five league games against Bristol City, including a hat-trick in September 2015.
Bristol City have won nine of their last 10 home league games played in May (L1) and have won each of the last six, scoring 21 and conceding just four in those victories.
Tammy Abraham has netted 23 league goals in 2016/17; the most in a league campaign by a Bristol City player since Sam Baldock in 2013/14 (24).
Lukas Jutkiewicz has scored six away goals for Birmingham in the Championship this term, at least three times as many as any of his teammates.
Prutton's prediction
Birmingham did well against Huddersfield, particularly when down to 10 men, while lots has been made about David Wagner's changes.
That was still a strong Terriers side and if they get punished for fielding a team like that, it's absolutely ridiculous. It's a good bunch of players!
This could be a game too far for Birmingham, though. Bristol City played very well against Brighton, soaking up a lot of pressure, and their excellent recent run of form has propelled them up the table.
All credit to Birmingham but I feel Bristol City have the bit between their teeth and a draw here sends the visitors down on goal difference.
DAVID PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds: 11/2)
