Barnsley match preview from Birmingham City fc

ARNSLEY MATCH PREVIEW
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Steve Bruce has urged his players to make home advantage count in this Saturday's clash with Barnsley at St. Andrew's as Blues look to turn up the heat on their promotion rivals.

Blues have won their last four league games to breathe new life into the season after a sticky patch that had seen Bruce's charges pick up just two points from a possible 15.

Three of the four victories came away from home and now the boss wants to turn St. Andrew's back into a fortress, with a visit from Wolves coming up next weekend.

"Our best performances have been away from home, however there was a really good one against West Brom and we need another display like that," said Bruce, referring to the home win over the Baggies two weeks ago.
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"We have played nine games away from home and seven at home so it's an important couple of games coming up.

"We need to show the right attitude and respect for Barnsley, which we will do."

This Saturday's opponents moved up to Championship level through the League One play-offs last season but have found the going tough.

Although a victory over fellow Yorkshire strugglers Leeds last weekend lifted Andy Ritchie's men out of the relegation zone and provided them with a massive lift going into this weekend's game.

Bruce is only too aware of the threat that the Oakwell outfit will pose.

"I don't think they'll just come to defend," continued the Blues manager.
Michael McIndoe

"We've had them watched and their big strengths are their wide players, Michael McIndoe (pictured left) in particular is a threat."

Bruce added: "It will be interesting because usually everybody that comes to us, apart from West Brom and Liverpool, have played one up front.

"I think Barnsley will come and take us on so I hope that's the case. They normally play 4-4-2 and I don't expect that to change."
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After a below-par performance in the midweek Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool, Blues are likely to be boosted by the return of Nicklas Bendtner, Gary McSheffrey, Stephen Clemence and Fabrice Muamba to the starting line-up.

Marc Richards has recovered from a thigh injury and will partner Tommy Wright in attack for the visitors.

The Tykes also welcome back defender Bobby Hassell who has missed the last two games with a groin strain.

There is still a good choice of seats available for this Saturday's game in all areas of the ground and you can watch the action from as little as £15 (adults) and £8 (concessions) with all under-12's tickets priced at just £5!

Fans can pay on the day or tickets can be purchased in advance from the Kop Ticket Office, over the telephone by calling the ticket office on 0871 226 1875 or online by clicking here.

This Saturday's game coincides with the national Day of Remembrance and there will be a minute's silence prior to the match as a mark of respect.